.A.**- ' 





PUBLISHED BY THE. 

DEPARTME.NT OFAGR1 G 
ANDIMMIGRATK 

COMPILED UNDER THE; DIRECT 



A HAND BOOK OF 

VIRGINIA 



Information s~ 
for the 
Homeseeker 
and Investor 



Compiled under the direction of 

G. W. KOINEB, 

Commissioner of Agriculture and Immigration. 

Published by the 
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Immigration, Richmond 



LYNCHBUBG, VA. 

J. F. BELL COMPANY, INC. 

1 © O 6 



!? partmetti of Agrtrulture 

and Sfmmtrjratum of the ^>iate 

of Virginia 



fiEORGF W. KOINER, Commissioner 



E. W. MAGRUDER, Chief Chemist 






State Board of Agriculture and Immigration 



MEMBERS 


DISTRICT 


P. 0. Address 


J. H. C. Beverley 


First Congressional District 


Chance 




Second Congressional District 


York town 




Third Congressional District 


Richmond 


J. Thos. Goode 


Fourth Congressional District 


Skipwith 


J. M. Barker 


Fifth Congressional District 


Axton 




Sixth Congressional District 

Seventh Congressional District. 
Eighth Congressional District 
Ninth Congressional District 


Cowan's Mills 


C. W. Heater 


Middletown 


W. H. Eggborn 


Eggbornville 


James E. Goodwin.... 


Eggleston 


W. B. F. Leech 


Tenth Congressional District 


Oakdale 


J. M. McBryde 


President otthe V. P. I. (ex-officio) 


Blacksburg 



(Dflfcera of tfr? loaro 

President 

C. W. HEATER 

Middletown, Virginia 

Treasurer Secretary 

G. W. KOINER E. B. CHESTERMAN 

Richmond, Virginia 







MEMBERS OP THE STATE BOAED OP AGRICULTURE AND IMMIGRATION AND THE COMMIS- 
SIONER. THE NUMBERS DESIGNATE THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPRESENTED. 

10 W. B. F. Leech 
*J. M. McBryde (ex- 
officio.) 



1 J. H. C. Beverley 4 J. Thos. Goode 

2 A. O. Mauck 5 J. M. Barker 
3. A. R. Scott 6 John T. Cowan 



7 C. W. Heater 

8 W. H. Eggborn 

9 Jas. R. Goodwin 



■> 



VIRGINIA 

INTRODUCTION 



Almost evei\y man born outside the borders of the Old Dominion 
has found occasion to comment on the enthusiasm with which Vir- 
ginians discuss their native State. Indeed, the Virginian among 
strangers is regarded as something more than an enthusiast — he is 
put down as a rhapsodist. No clime, whatever its charms, can 
divorce him from his native hearth; his thoughts ever revert to 
the State of his birth, and, like the Celestial who prays that his 
ashes may repose in the land of his forefathers, he always turns to 
the Old Dominion when he feels that his days are being numbered. 
Regarding the matter from the standpoint of one who has never 
dwelt in Virginia, this home instinct of her people seems almost 
incomprehensible, but the fact finds ready explanation among those 
who have lived in the time-honored Commonwealth. Once a house- 
holder establishes his hearthstone in the Old Dominion, the subtle 
charm of the State holds him enthralled and adds the stranger 
to the long list of the so-called rhapsodists. 

In days agone it has been said that the people of the State 
which claims Washington and Lee as her sons are wont to dwell in 
the past and to drowse their way through life with memories of 
what has been. And, surely, if ever this species of lotus-eating 
were pardonable in any case, it should be in the Virginian, for 
behind him are three centuries of glorious history. 

But the charge of inertia has now grown obsolete ; today it would 
fall for want of truth. Time was when it seemed as if Virginia had 
grown inert and supine, but out of this very inertia was to be born 
her salvation. 

Staggering under the wounds inflicted by the war of secession 
—staggering when other less spirited communities would have 
fallen never to rise again— she bravely faced the changed conditions 
and wrought order out of chaos. Surely this was no task for 
rhapsodists. • 



6 

And yet it must be admitted that the Hand which tempers the 
wind for the shorn lamb guided Virginia in these dark days and 
opened her eyes to opportunities within her borders which never 
before had been realized. Mayhap the Old Dominion, even after 
the first light of her illimitable resources had burst on her vision, 
was still slow to see and understand her wealth; but today it is 
fully recognized, and her people are rejoicing in her blessings. 

When the quaint little ships Discovery, Susan Constant, and 
Good Speed sailed up James Eiver one sunny April day in the year 
1607, the small company, which had braved the terrors of raging 
seas and the hazards of fate in an unexplored country, looked upon 
low shores covered with flowers of "divers colors" and saw the 
horizon fringed with "goodly trees" in full foliage. The Arcadian 
land, it is said, sent a perfumed breath of its attractions far out to 
ocean long before these pioneers in Anglo-Saxon civilization reach- 
ed the borders of the Old Dominion; but it was perhaps a century 
later before the English saw even dimly the extent of the terrestrial 
treasure they had discovered. And not until two or three decades 
ago did the world awaken to the fact that Virginia's charms were 
something more than skin deep — that beneath her soil lay riches 
even more desirable than her superb agricultural resources. 

The tale, in sooth, is but half told yet, and it is marvelous in 
the telling. Statisticians, it is true, can mathematically demon- 
strate the blessings of the ancient Commonwealth, and this they 
have already done, but the Old Dominion, to be duly appreciated, 
must be seen and known by personal contact. 

It seems as if the Master Hand that created this favored section 
and limned it in undying colors on the map of the universe foresaw 
at the very dawn of things that destiny had writ an inspiring 
history for Virginia — that after her metamorphosis from a wilder- 
ness into a smiling panorama of plantations she was to undergo the 
travail of hideous wars, which in turn were to be succeeded by 
conditions almost Utopian. With all her proud traditions of the 
past the Old Dominion has yet to reach her zenith. The years 
that have been put behind her are the years of a formative period; 
the decades that are to come will mark the fruition of her hopes. 
Henceforth industry, as exemplified in a hundred forms, M r il] be 
her gracious helpmeet. And with such support what State can 



fail? Nor must the Virginian of future years walk in a narrow 
path, for he has many fields of usefulness in which he may expand. 
Never did any country under the sun offer more diversity of 
opportunity or finer chances for the founding of fortunes than 
does this State. 

Geographically speaking, the Old Dominion is little short of 
amazing. Within her borders are the immaculate shores of the 
Atlantic, a plenteous Tidewater section, and then a rolling Pied- 
mont country that gradually undulates from green hillocks to blue 
hills, which in turn are succeeded by fertile mountains of no mean 
altitude. The man who feels himself affected in his daily work by 
the surrounding landscape can take his choice of any style of 
scenery. He will find it all in Virginia, provided he does not 
demand that Titanic ruggedness which, though astounding to the 
eye, is the synonym of barrenness and desolation. The landscape 
features of the Old Dominion, in short, may be described as 
"peaceful." And well it should be so, for the old State yields 
her riches readily and gives plenty to those who show industry 
or even a moderate degree of perseverance. Her soil is ever grate- 
ful and her very atmosphere invigorating. No feature of this 
venerable "Mother of Presidents" is harsh — neither her scenery, 
her climate, her laws, nor her children. This doubtless is what 
makes Virginians love her. Those whose forebears * have lived 
within the limits of the Commonwealth know that she is a gentle, 
kindly mother, and this responsiveness and gratitude of her sons 
is necessarily innate. But for the stranger, Virginia has the same 
welcome which has been accorded those who claim her as the 
place of their nativity. "Benevolent assimilation" might well be 
adopted as her motto. 

When one recalls the history of Virginia, it soon appears that the 
present conditions existing in the State show a wide departure 
from the original plans of those who felled her virgin forests and 
pushed the red man aside for the people of today. The colonists 
to whom we owe our existence were prompted by not altogether 
unselfish motives in founding an English settlement at Jamestown. 
Their prime object — or rather that of those who financed the 
movement — was the discovery of gold. For some fantastic reason 
it was believed that Virginia would prove an El Dorado, and many 
were the months — if not years — wasted by the pioneers in vainly 
seeking for the yellow metal. True, gold in recent years has 



been discovered in the State and even now is mined in no incon- 
siderable quantities, but it is not to this metal that the Old Dominion 
owes her prestige. 

After the English abandoned this senseless occupation, the 
whilom argonauts drifted into the cultivation of tobacco, and for 
decades, this was their chief occupation. This crop, which even 
today is one of the staples of the Commonwealth, had a far-reach- 
ing effect upon the economic conditions of the State. The colonists, 
in cultivating their tobacco, found that the plant constantly re- 
quired new soil, and, as a consequence, they pushed farther and 
farther into the wilderness from Jamestown. This policy soon pre- 
vented centralization of population and rapidly began to make 
Virginia a State of huge plantations and comparatively small settle- 
ments. The conditions in New England were just the opposite. 

For nearly two centuries the same process of territorial expansion 
went on in the Old Dominion, and today its farm lands reach from 
the ocean to the high hills on her western borders, while no vast 
cities have been created to menace her peace and draw away her 
. rural population from the fields. But although Virginia tobacco still 
has a world-wide fame — a name to conjure with — the aromatic 
"weed" no longer is King in the old Commonwealth. Farmers 
long since have discovered that the sod of the Old Dominion, aided 
by a delightful climate, is a willing producer of scores of pro- 
fitable crops which would sustain the people luxuriously even though 
there were no such blessed thing as tobacco. 

Indeed, scores of new industries have come to the front in 
recent years, and though the tobacco planter still works his stately 
fields, he finds thousands of Virginians who never give this fasci- 
nating crop a thought. In some sections the fruit-raising industry 
has a monopoly and the products of its heavily-laden orchards are 
gaining a degree of celebrity which is transoceanic. Albemarle 
apples, in fact, are said to have daily graced the tables of the late 
Queen Victoria, while the State's vineyards are producing wines 
which lack nothing to put them in competition with those of France 
and Germany. 

Although farming in the Old Dominion was never so profitable 
as now, and although the early tendencies of the colony indicated 
that Virginia could never be aught but an agricultural State, in- 
vestigations of recent years have proved almost the opposite. The 



:State is as rich in minerals as she is in her vegetable products. 
It is little short of astonishing to note the variety of her minerals 
.and the richness of the veins in which they lie. 

The southwestern part of the State, wherein are located most of 
the miaes today, fairly hums with machinery, and year by year, 
•as the railroads extend their branches, this favored section is in- 
creasing in prosperity and wealth. There are many who predict 
-that this part of Virginia is destined to lead all the State ; but the 
past ha, i shown that it is not safe to prophesy about the Old 
Dominion. Nor could one persuade a fox-huntinsr Virsrinian from 
Tidewater that his environments had lost one whit of their charms, 
while those in the rolling Piedmont region would be equally as 
-stubborn in making concessions. The truth is that Virginia's post 
■ helium renaissance has meant improvement in every direction — 
practical results that would have seemed incredible to our fore- 
fathers or even to the good people of fifty years ago. 

This state of affairs, however, is not attributable alone to native 
Virginians. Much of it is owing to those from other states and 
•countries who have settled here. Millions in wealth have poured 
into Virginia since the surrender at Appomattox, and every day sees 
new families in the Old Dominion. The welcome for all of these 
•is warm. It could not be otherwise, for the hospitality of the 
Virginian is innate — a precious legacy of picturesque ancestors, 
whose isolation made them rejoice at the very sight of a new-comer. 
Fortunately, however, the charms of the State have drawn hither 
-only the most desirable classes — people whose presence would 
•strengthen any community. The Commonwealth has been spared 
-the heterogeneous hordes that invade many other States. 

While, as has been explained, the cultivation of various crops 
-in early times at once marked Virginia out for an agricultural 
•State with widely separated towns and villages, her cities recently 
'have gone forward with tremendous strides and are rapidly taking 
first place in the galaxy of American municipalities. The capital 
•of the Commonwealth — Richmond — is a town which could never 
lose her individuality, her stability, or her charm. Her history 
-alone would perpetuate her, but today she stands strong and serene 
-on her seven hills like the Eternal City and presents a curious com- 
posite picture of culture, thrift, progressiveness and quaint adher- 
ence to old traditions and customs. No degree of prosperity and 



10 



no influx of wealth could make Richmond abandon some of her 
social ideas, nor would she surrender the pride in her past for all 
the riches of Golconda; but she has profited by observation none 
the less. From her people have emanated practical ideas and prac- 
tical suggestions, which have attracted attention everywhere. Her 
lessons have been learnt at no little sacrifice; having been learned, 
they have been productive of splendid results. 

And nothing less should be said of the other cities in the Com- 
monwealth. Some of these are well-nigh as venerable as Rich- 
mond, while others, equally as thrifty and almost as well populated,. 




have sprung up almost in a night as the result of new industries 
never dreamed of five decades ago. The time-honored Common- 
wealth, indeed, now walks with quickened step despite the lapse of 
nearly three centuries. Her elasticity is the child of prosperity. 
A magnificent exposition to mark her tercentenary will show to the 
world in 1907 what Virginia has been, is now, and what she will 
be in centuries to come. This grand enterprise means much for 
the Old Dominion, but after all it will only be a colossal tableau 
vivant, whose details are already known to all those who have lived 
in Virginia. Strangers, however, will be amazed by what they 
behold. 



11 

But enough — another Virginian may be accused of rhapsodizing,, 
for these lines are penned by way of preface. Were they to appear 
in this volume as an after-word — a word following the detailed 
account of Virginia's charms and resources — the most unrespon- 
sive would say that their apparent hyperbole is more than justified. 
And could the alien who reads this book visit Virginia, he would 
admit that no rhetoric describing the Old Dominion can be much 
too fervid or too florid. 

Evan, E. Chesterman". 



WHAT THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA SAYS. 



The following extract from Governor Claude A. Swanson's in- 
augural address delivered before the Legislature February 1, 1906, 
presents, in brief, an excellent review of the climate and soil and 
the agricultural, mineral and commercial resources of the State : 

"There is a Virginia of the past resplendent with the heroic 
achievements of a great and glorious people ; there is a Virginia 
of the present crowned with possibilities that can surpass the 
splendors of the proud past and make all that has gone before in 
her history but the prelude to a greater destiny. 

"No State in this Union has richer or more varied resources than 
Virginia. Her mild, warm, equable climate furnishes a refuge 
alike to those scorched by the suns of the South or chilled by the 
winds of the North. There is not an agricultural product known 
to the temperate zone that cannot be profitably, and is not suc- 
cessfully, raised in Virginia. In extreme South-side Virginia are 
seen great white fields of cotton, as rich in beauty and luxuriant in 
growth as can be found in North Carolina or Georgia. In Pied- 
mont and Southern Virginia are produced the great crops of tobacco 
which largely contribute to the world's supply. The magnificent 



12 

Valley of Virginia, raising great crops of wheat, corn, oats and hay, 
is almost unspeakable in her prodigality of production. The 
heantiful hilltops and mountains of Southwest and Northern Vir- 
ginia, with their spontaneous and perennial growth of blue grass, 
have browsing on them herds of cattle and sheep. This lovely 
•section, with its witchery of scenery, salubriousness of climate, rich 
return for investments, forms a combination rarely seen and unsur- 
passed by any section of this Union. In Eastern and Tidewater 
Virginia we have large truck farms and gardens, which furnish the 
vast population of the Eastern cities with their vegetables and 
foods. The profits of this industry are already immense, but the 
industry is still in its infancy and its possibilities for the future 
are immeasurable. Nowhere can fruit grow to greater perfection 
than in Virginia, and her great crops of apples, peaches and grapes 
•are bringing her immense returns and have brighter promises for 
the future. There is not a farm product known to the temperate 
zone that cannot be raised in the varied soil, climate and conditions 
•of Virginia. Everywhere in the State are seen evidences of in- 
telligent and scientific farming, of progress and prosperity. The 
increase in farm products and values in recent years has been 
•striking and excelled by few States in the Union. We have pro- 
duced this immense agricultural wealth, and yet not more than 
half our land is under cultivation. When the population of Vir- 
ginia, which is each year rapidly increasing, shall put under 
cultivation the entire soil, the farming wealth of the State will 
be amazing. With near and accessible markets, no State offers 
finer opportunities or greater inducements to farmers than Virginia. 

"coal and ores. 
"But, great as are our advantages in agriculture, our superiority 
in other directions is still more pre-eminent. There is scarcely a 
useful mineral known to modern civilization that is not found and 
cannot be successfully mined in Virginia. We have zinc, copper, 
iron and coal mines all in profitable operation. We have demon- 
strated that iron can be produced here as cheaply as elsewhere, 



13 



and the products of our furnaces are distributed to all parts of 
the world. Coal is the foundation of the marvelous industrial 
advance of this century. Upon it Great Britain built her naval,, 
commercial and manufacturing supremacy. Already in Virginia 
and the Eastern part of West Virginia, which, from its location, 
must be used and developed through Virginia, have been disclosed 
almost as many square miles of coal, and of superior quality, as 
that upon which Great Britain established her great pre-eminence. 
The imagination cannot picture the vast manufactures, the varied 
industrial enterprises which the possession of this vast supply of 
coal will bring to Virginia. Besides, the rivers that run from 
our mountains to the seashore, the Potomac, Shenandoah, Bappa- 
hannock, Appomattox, James and others, are possessed of immense 
water power, capable of operating large and innumerable establish- 
ments. 

"In Chesapeake Bay, which skirts our Eastern Shore, we have 
the finest and safest harbors on the Atlantic coast. This bay is the 
finest body of inland water in the world, and upon its smooth sur- 
face could ride almost the world's fleets and navies. There mag- 
nificent harbors offer opportunities for greater mercantile and com- 
mercial enterprises, world-wide in their trade and scope. The great 
increase in our exports and foreign commerce give proof of the 
future greatness of these ports. The nearness and cheapness of 
coal to these harbors furnish the best location on this continent 
for manufacturing industries with products to be distributed in 
the markets of the world." 



The Manufacturers' Becord of December 21, 1905, says : 

"While it is true that the industrial development of the South 
is going forward with amazing rapidity, it is nevertheless true that,, 
by virtue of the extent of the agricultural interests of the South,, 
agriculture is yet the foundation of the business of that section. 



14 

A change from poverty to prosperity of the farmers, and a change 
from land -without a selling value to land in demand at an advance 
of 50 to 150 per cent, over the nominal price of one or two years ago, 
is the most far-reaching development in Southern advancement of 
the last quarter of a century. It is far-reaching in many ways. It 
means that within the last year or two Southern farm properties 
have increased not less than $1,000,000,000 in value, probably at 
least $1,500,000,000. 

"The realization by the people of the entire South, bankers, 
merchants and formers, of the power of co-operation in the proper 
handling and mprketing of the two great staples — cotton and 
tobacco — has brought about a community of interest which is 
■destined to exert a ^ T ery great influence upon the entire business 
interests of the South and of that portion of the business world 
which is in any way dependent upon these staples or upon the 
general prosperity of the South." 

The Virginia people set such esteem upon the agricultural inter- 
ests of the State, and the promotion of the various departments of 
its agricultural industries, that they have incorporated in their 
■constitution, their organic law, a department of agriculture and 
immigration to be under the management and control of a bureau 
of agriculture. This publication is made by the Commissioner of 
Agriculture in accordance with the requirements of an act of 
Assembly. 

It is the object of this hand-book to present the agricultural and 
industrial features of the State, together with its climatic and 
topographical advantages, in such way as to show that the State of 
Virginia, old in its history and hoary in its traditions, is exhibiting 
a new life of activity and enterprise and, turning her back upon the 
past, is setting her face towards the rising sun whose advent is 
gilding the East with a golden splendor. 

A free use has been made of the antecedent text-books, and their 
descriptions, statements, and statistics have been availed of in th^ 
preparation of this manual. "I take all knowledge for my pro- 
vince," said Lord Bacon. In that spirit the author of this hand- 
hook has appropriated whatever seemed of practical value 
wherever found. 



15 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

No State in the Union offers more attractive inducements, and 
extends a more inviting hand, to the home-seeker than Virginia. 
In climate, diversity of soils, fruits, forests, water supply, mineral 
deposits^ and variety of landscape, including mountain and valley, 
hill and dale, she offers advantages that are unsurpassed. Truly 
did Captain John Smith, the adventurous and dauntless father of 
Virginia, suggest that "Heaven and earth never agreed better to 
frame a place for man's habitation." 

Virginia is centrally situated in the Atlantic tier of States, 
being midway between Maine and Florida. It lies between the 
extremes of heat and cold, removed alike from the sultry, protracted 
summers of the more southern States, and the severe winters and 
devastating storm and cyclones of the north and northwest. Its 
limits north and south are the latitudes of 39° 27' and 36° 31', 
corresponding to California and Southern Europe. The area of 
the State is 42,450 square miles, of which 2,325 are covered with 
water. There are 40,125 square miles, or 25,680,000 acres, of 
land. The State is a little larger than Tennessee, Kentucky, or 
Ohio, and not quite so large as Pennsylvania. The extreme length 
of the State along its southern border is 440 miles. The extreme 
width from north to south is 192 miles. 

NATURAL DIVISIONS. 

Virginia is divided into five natural divisions, consisting of 
belts of country extending across the State from northeast to south- 
west, and succeeding each other from the Atlantic coast to the west- 
ern State line. They rise in successive steps from the sea level, and 
differ in natural scenery, climate, soil and productions. These 
natural divisions are known as Tidewater, Middle Virginia, the 
Piedmont, the Valley, and Appalachia. 

The Tidewater, or coastal plain, is part of the lowland that skirts 
the seashore from New York to the Gulf of Mexico. The visible 
outer or eastern boundary of Tidewater is the coast line of the 
State; but in reality it continues seaward many miles, forming a 
great submarine terrace, or shelf. Its inland or western boundary 
is a line extending from Widewater on the Potomac river below 



16 



Alexandria, through Fredericksburg, Eichmond, Petersburg, Em- 
poria in Greensville count}', to the North Carolina line. This west- 
ern boundary, though somewhat irregular, does not vary much from 
a straight line. The Tidewater section is penetrated by four navi- 
gable rivers that cut deep channels, with alluvial bottoms of rare 
fertility, and inland ports for ocean steamers. 

Middle Virginia is a wide, undulating plain extending from the 
western boundary of Tidewater to the Piedmont belt. It is the 
largest of the five natural divisions, and comprises more than one- 
fourth of the State. 

The Piedmont Region, as the name implies, lies along the foot of 
the mountains, and forms the base of the Blue Eidge, varying in 
width from twenty to thirty miles. It is a portion of the belt that 
begins in New England and stretches thence southward to Georgia 
and Alabama. It extends, therefore, across the State from Mary- 
land to North Carolina. 

The Valley of Virginia is the belt of rolling country lying be- 
tween the Blue Eidge on the east, and the broken ranges, known 
collectively as the Alleghanies, on the west. Its length is over 
three hundred miles, and its average width about twenty. It is the 
most productive and picturesque portion of the great limestone 
valley that stretches from Canada to Alabama. Though one con- 
tinuous valley, it is subdivided into many minor ones by detached 
ranges and the troughs of five rivers that penetrate it. It is very 
fertile, producing grasses and grain in abundance, and is often 
spoken of as the "Garden Spot of the State." 

The Appalachian region is the most western section of the State, 
consisting of twelve rugged counties, traversed by the Alleghanies 
proper, and their numerous spurs and minor ranges, being a portion 
of the Appalachian system of mountains. These ranges inclose 
long trough-like valleys that are admirably adapted to grazing, 
as are also the sides and slopes of the mountains. 

Comprehensively stated, the above are the five grand divisions of 
the State according to its natural conformation. There are other 
and smaller subdivisions which bear names that have a local 
signification. These are the Eastern Shore, consisting of the 
counties of Accomac and Northampton that compose the southern 
termination of the fruitful peninsula which separates Chesapeake 



17 

Bay from the Atlantic ocean; the Northern Neck, a long and nar- 
row strip, lying between the Potomac and Eappahannock rivers ; the 
Peninsula, distinctively so called to discriminate it from the other 
and smaller necks of land formed by many of the rivers and 
estuaries of the Tidewater section: this Peninsula lies between the 
York and James rivers; the Southside, composed of the counti s 
east of the Blue Eidge and between James river and the southern 
border of the State; and Blue Eidge, consisting of the three pic- 
turesque counties of Floyd, Carroll, and Grayson, with an area of 
1,230 square miles, forming part of the elevated plateau into which 
the Blue Eidge chain or system expands in the southwestern portion 
of the State. 



MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION. 

A somewhat more particular description of these natural divis- 
ions of the State, their topographical features, productions and 
resources, water-ways and climate, may be of interest. 

Tidewater Virginia, or the Coastal Plain, as it is sometimes 
called, comprises approximately one-fourth of the State. It 
receives the name of Tidewater from the fact that the streams that 
penetrate it feel the ebb and flow of the tides from the ocean up 
to the head of navigation on the line that separates it from Middle 
Virginia. It consists altogether of lowlands, having an average 
altitude of about 150 feet along its inner or western border (the 
line that separates it from Middle Virginia) and inclining sea- 
ward until, at the coastline, it dips beneath the Atlantic. It con- 
sists chiefly of broad and generally level plains, while a considerable 
portion, nearest to the bay, is occupied by shallow bays and estu- 
aries, and by marshes that are in most instances reached by the 
ocean tides. These marshes abound with wild duck and sora. 
Tidewater is mainly an alluvial country. The soil is chiefly light, 
sandy loam, underlaid with clay. The alluvial deposits are enrich- 
ed by the decomposition of shells, forming extensive beds of 
marl. Its principal productions are fruits and early vegetables, 
which are raised in extensive "market gardens," and shipped in 
large quantities to northern cities. This is called "trucking," and 
is a lucrative business. The trade in potatoes, strawberries, pea- 



19 

the State some $12,000,000. The fertilizing minerals — gypsum, 
marl and greensand — abound, and their judicious use readily re- 
stores the lands when exhausted by improvident cultivation. 

Middle Virginia is a wide undulating plain, crossed by many 
rivers that have cut their channels to a considerable depth, and are 
bordered by alluvial bottom lands that are very productive. The 
soil consists of clays with a subsoil of disintegrated sandstone rocks 
that supply additional elements of fertility. The soil of Virginia 
varies according to the nature of the rock from which it is formed. 
The lowlands of Tidewater are marked by light, sandy loam with 
substratum of clay, enriched by the decomposition of shells, form- 
ing marl banks, or beds. In Middle and Piedmont Virginia the 
surface, in general, consifts of clay, with subsoil of disintegrated 
sandstone rocks. In tlie Valley and Appalachia, limestone soil 
predominates. This section (Middle Virginia) has for its eastern 
border the rocky rim of Tidewater, where the average elevation 
above the ocean is about 150 feet. It gradually rises towards its 
western limit at Piedmont, where it attains a maximum elevation 
of 500 feet. This is the largest of the natural divisions, and con- 
tains some 12,500 square miles. Nowhere on the continent can 
there be found a region so generally penetrated by navigable 
streams. Four large rivers, having their sources in the Piedmont 
nuts, etc., is especially large, and last year yielded altogether in 
and Appalachian region, traverse the Tidewater and Middle Vir- 
ginia sections. The Potomac below Washington, the Kappahan- 
nock below Fredericksburg, the York, and the James below Eich- 
mond, rise and fall with the ocean tides, and are navigable from 
Chesapeake Bay. Below the tidewater line (or head of navigation) 
they broaden, and are sometimes miles in width. 

The principal agricultural productions of Middle Virginia are 
corn, wheat, oats and tobacco. The tobacco raised in this section 
and in Piedmont, known as the "Virginia Leaf/' is the best grown 
in the United States, and has a world-wide reputation for excellence 
In this section, as in Tidewater, the low bottom lands along the 
streams formed by the sediment of the waters, are exception- 
ally productive. The second bottoms, as they are called, be- 
ing a more elevated terrace, have usually a subsoil of dark, but 
sometimes yellow clay; these are very rich and susceptible of 
constant and severe tillage. 



21 



THE PIEDMONT SECTION. 

This belt (for it is properly a belt, extending as it does through 
the State, with a length of 250 miles and an average width of only 
25 miles) is marked by hills and minor mountain ranges and 
spurs, with valleys of varied form between. The surface is diver- 
sified and surpassingly picturesque. The line of separation from 
Middle Virginia contains wide plains of excellent fertility, which 
spontaneously cover themselves with nutritious grasses when not 
in cultivation. The elevation of this belt varies from 300 to 1,200 
feet. The soil is heavier than that of Middle Virginia, the subsoil 
being of stiff and dark-reel clay. The disintegrated sand-stone 
rocks supply elements of fertility. On the slopes of the Blue Eidge. 
grapes of delicious flavor grow luxuriantly. These produce ex- 
cellent wines, and the clarets have a wide fame. The pippin 
apples of this section are of unrivalled excellence. 

THE VALLEY. 

The "Great Valley," as it is descriptively called, is, in its 
general configuration, one continuous valley, included between the 
two mountain chains that extend throughout the State; but it is, 
in a more particular sense, made up of five smaller valleys that 
succeed one another in the following order, from northeast to 
southwest: the Shenandoah Valley; the James Eiver Valley; The 
Roanoke Eiver Valley; The Kanawha or New Eiver Valley; and 
the Valley of the Houston or Tennessee. It is 242 feet above 
tidewater at Harper's Ferry where the Shenandoah, uniting with 
the Potomac, breaks through the barrier of the Blue Eidge, and 
gradually rises until it attains the height of 1,687 feet at its 
southwestern extremity, where the waters of the Holston leave the 
State and pass into Tennessee. The Valley is much higher along 
its western side, next to the Alleghanies, than on its eastern side. 
It is one of the most abundantly watered regions on the face of the 
globe. Deep limestone beds form the floor of the Great Valley, 
and from these beds the soil derives an exceeding fertility, pecu- 
liarly adapted to the growth of grasses and grain. One who en- 
joys its varied and picturesquely beautiful landscapes; the long 



23 

undulating line of the ridge that takes the name of Blue from 
the heavens that bend to bathe its summits in their own soft 
tints; its abundant crops of cereals; its cattle grazing upon its 
grass-embedded meadows; its orchards bearing every fruit known 
to the temperate zone, and its vineyards bursting with the juices 
that produce delicious wines, will not wonder that it bears the 
name of the "garden spot" of the State. 



APPALACHIA. 

This is the mountainous section to the west of the Great Valley. 
It overlooks the Valley to the east, and passes into the rugged 
upland of the Cumberland plateau on the west. Its altitude varies 
from 1,000 to 3,000 feet above the sea level. Some of the valleys 
and slopes are of sandstone, some of slates and shales, some of 
limestone, so that they present a great variety of surface. The 
sandstone ridges are poor and unproductive, but the valleys are 
fertile, the soil being enriched by limestone. These valleys and 
mountain slopes are heavily carpeted with grass, upon which large 
numbers of cattle are raised. It is noted as a grazing country. 
It is an abundantly watered region, and its mountains are covered, 
their tops and their sides, with forests that yield a variety of 
valuable timber. 



FAVORABLE CONDITIONS. 

The advantages and favorable conditions that invite the home- 
seeker may, in general terms, be included under the following 
heads: (1) Situation and Topography, (2) Climate, (3) Agri- 
cultural Eesources, (4) Rivers and Water Supply, (5) Forests, 
(6) Fruits, (7) Minerals and Mining, (8) Commercial Facilities. 
In these several inducements Virginia holds a place second to no 
State in the Union; probably the pre-eminent place over them all. 

Let us briefly consider these inducements in the order named. 



24 



SITUATION. 

As heretofore stated, Virginia is mid-way of the Atlantic tier 
of States, removed alike from the severe winters of the northern 
States, and the long, debilitating summers of the States farther 
south. She possesses every variety of surface: bold mountains, 
broken uplands, valleys, meadows, lowlands, and the swamp 
lands of the coastal plain. The two ranges of mountains that 
extend through the State from northeast to southwest protect 
it from the storms and tornadoes that devastate the northwest. 
At Hampton Eoads, she has the largest, deepest, safest, and best 
sheltered harbor on the Atlantic. Her ports of Norfolk and New- 
port News are nearer than is New York to the great centres of 
population and areas of production, of the northwest. Chicago is 
fifty miles nearer by direct line to Norfolk than it is to New York. 



CLIMATE. 

The climate of Virginia is mild and healthful. The winters 
are less severe than in the northern and northwestern States, or 
even the western localities of the same latitude; while the occa- 
sional periods of extreme heat in the summer are not more oppres- 
sive than in many portions of the north. The diversified physical 
features exercise a marked influence on the climate, the tempera- 
ture varying in the several sections according to their elevation, 
latitude, and distance from the ocean. The variation is from 
a mean annual temperature of 64° in the low Tidewater belt to 48° 
in the elevated mountain regions. The average temperature of 
the State is 56°. The summer heat of the Tidewater is tempered 
by the sea-breezes; while in the mountain section the warm south- 
west trade winds, blowing through the long parallel valleys, impart 
to them, and the enclosing mountains, moisture borne from the 
Gulf of Mexico. As a place to live in all the year round, Virginia 
has no equal. The summers are not debilitating, and the occa- 
sional days of oppressive heat are succeeded by nights of refreshing 
sleep. The winters are never marked by extreme or protracted 
severity. Snow rarely covers the ground for any great length of 
time, and the number of bright, sunny days, even in the winter 



25 

season, is unusually large. In the spring the bright sunshine, 
pleasant days and budding nature invite every one out of doors, 
.and hooks and reel are in demand. Autumn, to many, is the 
most delightful time of the year. The bright, warm, sunny days, 
■with just enough edge to the air to make one feel like moving, 
the cool nights unsurpassed for sleeping, the rich and varied colored 
wild flowers and the many colored autumn leaves, all conspire 
"to make one stay out of doors and absorb health and life. Par- 
tridge and pheasant shooting, and fox hunting in the glorious 
:autumn weather, furnish the finest sport for the most exacting 
sportsman. 

The number of murky, foggy days is very small, and converse- 
ly the number of sunny days is unusually large. The United 
States Weather Bureau gives as the number of fair and clear days 
for Hampton Eoads 258.8, while for Boston 237.6. Thus the 
number of days when one is kept in doors on account of the 
"weather is very small. 

In the more western portion of the State the temperature is 
lower generally, and in the southwest mountains the snow some- 
"times lies on the ground for a considerable time, but the health- 
fulness of this region is most excellent, and the size and physique 
of the men is superb. 

Along the eastern slope of the Blue Bidge there is a belt of 
-country between 1,000 and 2,500 feet above sea level, in which 
the humidity is exceedingly low, and in which the number of 
sunny days is very large. This region has little dew at night, 
owing to its low humidity, and has been found beneficial for con- 
sumptives and those troubled with pulmonary diseases. 

Virginia is also exceptionally free from wind storms and hurri- 
-canes, never having any like those which frequent the western 
plains and the States of the southwest. Such a thing as a dwell- 
ing house being blown over is a practically unknown occurrence. 

Below is the mean monthly temperature of Virginia, Fahren- 
heit, for the last five years taken in July and December by the 
U. S. Weather Bureau of Bichmond : 

Mean monthly temperature July T>ec. 

1901 78.6 35.7 

1902 76.5 37.9 



27 



1903 .. .. 75.5 32.S 

1904 73.5 34.4 

1905 .75.4 37.7 

The westerly winds are the prevailing winds. 
The annual rainfall is from forty to sixty inches. It is fairly 
well distributed through the entire year. 

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES. 

Although Virginia has very large, varied and important in- 
terests outside of agriculture, still agriculture has been, and is, 
her greatest and most important interest, and is the occupation 
of the great majority of her people. She is essentially an agri- 
cultural State. The principal agricultural products are tobacco, 
corn, wheat, oats, buckwheat, barley and the native and cultivated 
grasses, which, together with the clovers, yield an abundance 
of hay. In the seaboard section, particularly in the vicinity 
of Norfolk and on the Eastern Shore, there are extensive 
areas devoted to truck-farming, an industry which annually sends 
millions of dollars worth of garden and farm vegetables and pro- 
ducts to the markets of Baltimore, Philadelphia, Few York, and 
Boston. In this same section, especially in the counties that form 
the southeastern portion of the State, between the James Kiver 
and the North Carolina line, the cultivation of the peanut is an 
extensive and profitable industry, the annual value of the crop- 
being about two and a half million dollars. Virginia raises more, 
and better, peanuts than any State in the Union. The cereals are 
wide-spread over the State, but the Valley is pre-eminently the 
grain-producing region. Tobacco is, in a very large part of the 
State, the staple principally relied on as a money-making crop. 
Only one State in the Union, Kentucky, produces more tobacco 
than Virginia. The "Virginia Leaf," the finest tobacco raised in 
the United States, has a world-wide reputation for excellence. It 
thrives best in the uplands of Middle Virginia and in the Piedmont. 
In Halifax, Pittsylvania, and Henry counties, bordering on the 
North Carolina line, midway of the State and in smaller areas of 
contiguous counties, the famous "bright tobacco" is raised. This- 
always commands a high price. 



28 



There is every conceivable variety of soil in Virginia, from 
the almost pure sand of the sea coast to the stiff clay of the west- 
ern portions. Although of such variety, there is one noteworthy 
fact, and that is the ease with which nearly all of the soil can be 
cultivated, and its ready response to judicious treatment. 

Owing to the great difference of altitude of the various parts 
of the State, giving rise to a great diversity of climate condi- 
tions, and to the almost endless variety of soils within her bor- 
ders, Virginia can, and does, grow practically everything raised 
in the United States except the tropical and sub-tropical fruits. 
If there is anyone, anywhere, who desires to take up any special 
branch of agriculture or desires to devote his time to the raising of 
any variety of cereal, grass, legumes, fruit or animal, he can find 
in Virginia land and 'conditions ideally suitable to that identi- 
cal thing. 

Under the head of agricultural resources we might appropriately 
treat fruits. But they will be assigned to a separate head. 



NORTHERN AND WESTERN FARMERS IN VIRGINIA. 

The following letters from a few northern and western farmers 
who have settled in Virginia, selected from a number of other 
similar communications^ and one from Hon. J. Sterling Morton, 
Ex-U. S. Secretary of Agriculture, will be found interesting to 
home-seekers : 

By J. Steeling Morton 

The New York Sun says: "J. Sterling Morton, Secretary of Agricul- 
ture, has discovered that the late Horace Greeley's advice to young men, to 
'Go West,' is no longer sound, and owing to changed conditions in the 
South, the well-wishers of Young America should now urge them to go to 
Virginia. 

"Were I young and about to buy a farm — and if I were young, buying a 
farm is exactly what I'd go first about — I'd get a farm in Virginia. I was 
out through the State the other day. To say that I was amazed 
would not any more than express it. I was fairly astonished. I never saw 
better fields or finer crops anywhere. It's a garden. One has, as some 
fellow said about some other locality, but to tickle the soil and it laughs 
with a harvest. Corn? I met face to face with as vigorous and robust 
fields as ever waved in Illinois. Other crops were the same. 



29 

"As a mere crop producer, the Virginia farm would stand shoulder to- 
shoulder with any in the West, and yet, while you buy a farm of 160- 
acres in Texas, say, for $8,800.00, ill take the same $8,800.00 and buy and 
locate myself in Virginia, within three hours' drive of the capital of the 
country, on a fraction over five hundred and eighty-six acres. Just as good 
land, as I told you before, only, instead of one hundred and sixty acres,, 
you get five hundred and eighty-six acres for $8,800. 
I am not an advertising medium for any particular piece of Virginia real 

"Yes, I said I could cite farms and figures to support what I suggest, 
estate, but, skipping names and boundary lines, there are eight hundred 
acres, twenty-six miles from Washington, with the Potomac river wash- 
ing its feet, covered with forest trees, and you can buy it for fifteen dol- 
lars an acre, just $12,000. A friend of mine bought a splendid farm of 
one hundred and sixty acres, richest kind of soil; magnificent brick house, 
one of those old timers, about 100 years old, but in as perfect shape 
as if carpenters and masons got through yesterday. What do you think he 
paid? Perfectly appointed farm, remember; brick barn, all in the best 
of shape, and within half a day's drive, with the buggy, of Washington. 
Now, what do you think he gave? Four thousand dollars; just twenty-five 
dollars an acre. The place would have been worth $16,000 or $20,000 
in Iowa. It made me want a Virginia farm myself when I saw it." 

J. Sterling Morton. 
Ex-Secretary Agriculture United States^ 



FROM SOUTH DAKOTA. 

I came to prince George county in 1902, from Spink county, S. D., where 
I resided since 1881. After spending a number of years traveling about, 
visiting nearly all the States east of the Mississippi, in search of a genial 
climate and good soil, I was convinced that Virginia was the place. I 
purchased a farm of 400 acres and am now getting it in a very fine state of 
cultivation for all the cereals and stock raising. This section is exceedingly 
well adapted to the raising of cattle, hogs and sheep, all of which I am 
raising successfully and making money. 

There is nothing would indiice me to go back to South Dakota to live, 
since I am able to live here in comfort and receive larger net dividends 
that I ever could expect to realize on my former farm. I am more than 
pleased with my investment. 

Yours very truly, 
(Signed) Wm. H. Denton. 



FROM CALIFORNIA. 

I moved to Virginia with my family six years ago from California, where 
we Avere very much disappointed in the climate, the heavy fogs of the coast 
causing rheumatic troubles and the intense heat of the inland valleys in 
the summer we could not stand. 

Have visited nearly every State, and can honestly say I know of no climate 
as equal and pleasant, where the water is so soft and pure, where the soil 
respond so quickly and abundantly to proper cultivation and encourage- 
ment, and where there is absolutely no malaria or mosquitoes. 

Our winters last about three months. Have plowed at times in all win- 
ter months. Our garden soil was never frozen over 3 inches at any time. 

Dr. J. B. Ross. 



30 

FROM ILLINOIS. 

I came to this State several years since and purchased a farm near 
Forest Depot, paying $14 per acre for the same. I did not expect to make 
more than a fair living for several years, but from the very first season 1 
made much more than I anticipated. I produce all kinds of cereals, stock, 
and small fruits, and trucking, all of which has a home market at much 
better prices than I could hope to receive in the West. 

I am raising more and better crops than I could produce on $40 land in 
South Dakoto or $100 land in Illinois. I cheerfully send this word of 
greeting to Northern farmers who are in search of a better climate, good 
lands at low prices and where the seasons are of sufficient length to garner 
the crop without being in haste all the time. T. J. Ong. 

FROM INDIANA. 

I came to Virginia broken down in health and bought a broken-down farm 
about six miles from Lynchburg, which had not been worked since the war, 
thirty-six years previous. I was very unwell and could not do much work 
at first, but notwithstanding that, I made a fairly good crop and sold off 
a quantity of bark and Avood, and made more than I would have done at 
home. There is a ready and good market for all you can raise, and the 
prices are good. The people are glad to see you and aid you in every way 
in their power. There are good schools and churches, and I have never 
received more attention or been better entertained that I have been by 
some of the old ex-rebels I fought against in the late war. My health is 
good, and I feel like a new man, and would not sell my place at 50 per 
cent, advance; and I can say if Northern people come down here and attend 
to their business, they will be received with open arms and can do well. 

E. R. Btjbr. 

FROM IOWA. 

To any person seeking a home away from the long and cold winters and 
the ever-existing danger of cyclones in summer, we have this to say, come 
and see us at South Boston, Va. For thirty-four years we lived in the State 
of Iowa, and for the last five years in Southside Virginia. We know 
there are many people who live in constant dread of the cold winters, the 
deep snow and the awful blizzard. These can all be avoided by coming 
South, where one can find a most hospitable people, with many beautiful 
homes and ever ready to give a cordial welcome, and back of all this, 

cheap lands There are thousands of acres of timber land 

here that can be bought at from $6 to $10 an acre that would furnish 
grazing for sheep and Angora goats. The Angora cleans up the brush 
and brings the land in condition for more grass for the other lines of 
stock. We have many creeks and springs of excellent water, so that one 
-can have living water in all fenced lots. W. W. Stockweix. 

FROM NEBRASKA. 

I came to Virginia from Nebraska fourteen years ago with very little 
money and purchased a very poor farm of 200 acres, for which I paid $5 per 
acre, making a small cash payment; then went to work. The soil, while 
worn out, has responded very quickly to good farming and natural fertiliz- 
ers. I soon paid for my farm and improved it in every form, until now I 
have it in fine shape, and have it well stocked, including improved ma- 
chinery. Only a short time since I purchased a second farm of 200 acres 
for cash. I am very much pleased with Virginia and am convinced that 
it is all right. 

John Sedrtg. 



31 

FROM NEW YORK. 

I am a former resident of the Empire State, and came to Virginia a 
number of years since; induced to do so on account of the genial cli- 
mate, geographical location and the great future which I saw in the 
fertile, neglected farms in Virginia. I did not remove to my farm until 
1898, and have resided here ever since. My plantations are now well im- 
proved, and last year a crop of 75 acres of wheat averaged 29 1-2 bushels 
per acre, some of this running in excess cf 40 bushels per acre. A 
neighbor of mine raised in excess of 100 bushels of soy beans per acre; 
this by a Canadian farmer, who, like myself, does not care to return to the 
rigorous climate we left. G. C. Jacobs. 

FROM OHIO. 

After living here two years I And Virginia more pleasant to live in 
than Ohio. The people are friendly and sociable, and the lithia water has 
been a "God-send" to me. It has cured me of eczema after doctoring for 
thirty years without relief. 

In regard to the land, the best improved here is fully equal to Ohio land 
that sells for $25 to $100 per acre, and if the Virginia land were side by 
side with it, it would bring the top price and this land can be bought for 
from $5 to $15 per acre. Next the crop. Last year's wheat was of good 
quality and averaged 15 to 20 bushels per acre; corn was unusuallv fine — 
as good as any one could ask, while fruit of all kinds was plentiful. 

I am glad I came down to this healthful climate, this wonderful water, 
these big-hearted people, and other conditions that go to make life worth 
living. I have no desire to return North. Geo. E. Ltjsk. 

FROM WISCONSIN. 

Two years ago I came to Appomattox from Wisconsin and purchased a 
farm. When I arrived I was unable to do any farm work. Now I can 
attend to my farm and my health is greatly improved. I like the country so 
well that last year I purchased another farm for my son. I would rather 
live here with my present health on one meal a day than in Wisconsin on 
three. 

1 have paid every dollar on both farms, and like the land better every 
year I live on it. We can raise anything in Virginia that can be grown 
in the North or Northwest. I consider this a great country, and the lands 
are far below the real value in price. 

John V. Phillips, Sr. 

THE POSSIBILITIES OF SOIL PRODUCTION 
IN NORFOLK COUNTY. 

It is both interesting and wonderful to note the productiveness 
of the soil in the trucking belt around Norfolk, Virginia. A 
leading farmer and trucker this morning said, "Without doubt 
the trucking lands around Norfolk, Virginia, are the finest in the 
entire United States. 

h .-This gentleman was entitled to a very respectful hearing, and 
■we had the greatest confidence in his judgment and intelligence, 
for his experience, as a trucker, was the very best possible evidence 
in favor of his statement. 



33 

Our attention was called to a little 4-acre patch of land, in snaps 
(beans), now just nicely in the pod and ready to go north in a 
very few days. Answering our questions the owner stated that 
in September last he sowed spinach on said four acres. Between 
Christmas and 1st of March following he cut and sold the spinach 
at the rate of 100 barrels to the acre, at a price ranging from $2 
to $7 per barrel — an average of $4.50 per barrel. Early in 
March the 4 acres were set out to lettuce, setting the plants in the 
open air with no protection whatever, 175,000 plants on the four 
acres. He shipped 450 half-barrel baskets of lettuce to the acre, 
at a price ranging from $2 to $2.75 per basket. 

Early in April, just before the lettuce was ready to ship, he 
planted snap beans between the lettuce rows ; and to day, June 2d, 
these are the finest beans we have seen this season. 

Owner says he will have 150 half -barrel baskets to the acre; 
but we think he will surely have nearer 250. However, 150 will 
be enough, for he will sell the same for from $1 up to $2 per 
basket ; perhaps even higher. 

The last week in May he planted cantaloupes between the bean 
rows, which, when marketed in July, will make four crops from 
the same land in one year's time. The canteloupes will be good 
for 250 crates to the acre, and the price will run from $1 to $1.50 
per crate. 

A careful investigation of these "facts, figures, and features" 
will show that his gross sales will easily reach $2,000 per acre, and 
his net profits depend largely upon the man and the management; 
but they surely should not be less than $1,000 clear, clean profit 
to the acre. 

This is for farming done all out doors. No hot house or hot 
bed work — not a bit of it. It is all out-of-doors work, with no 
extra expense for hot beds, cold frames, hot houses, or extra ex- 
penses whatever. 

We are each day more and more thoroughly convinced that 
"intensive" thorough tillage and care of the soil will not only pay 
remarkably well here; but it will pay better here than at any 
other point or place in the United States. 

Without any doubt, whatever, the soil is the finest market garden 
or trucking soil in the entire country. The climate also is largely 
in our favor, as the late and early frosts are kept off by the near 
proximity of the sea. 



31 



In regard to cost to get our farm products to market, we are 
within twenty-five miles of fully 10,000,000 consumers, that is 
to say, measured by freight rates, we are within twenty-five miles 
of 10,000,000 hungry consumers of our soil products. 

If measured by hours, we are within twelve hours of 20,000,000 
consumers. Upon the soil, climate, and markets depend the suc- 
cess of the tillers of the soil — and these three factors are decidedly 
in our favor. 

FRUITS. 

Virginia is one of the most highly-favored fruit-growing States 
in the Union. Indeed, when the variety, abundance, and excel- 
lence of its fruits are considered, it is doubtful if any other State 
can compare with it in this respect. Apples, peaches, pears, cher- 
ries, quinces, plums, damsons, and grapes are in great abundance, 
while the smaller fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, black- 
berries, gooseberries and currants are plentiful. The foothills of 
the Piedmont and Blue Eiclge are specially adapted to the apple, 
some orchards producing as much as from $450 to $500 per acre. 
The peach, requiring a somewhat warmer climate, abounds more 
plentifully in Middle Virginia and Tidewater. The eastern slopes 
of the Blue Ridge are especially prolific in grapes, Albemarle 
county taking the lead in their cultivation. They are of excellent 
quality and flavor, both for table use and wine making. The 
Monticello Wine Company of Charlottesville, Albemarle county, 
enjoys a world-wide reputation for its wine, particularly its 
clarets. At the Paris World's Exhibition in 1878, this was the 
only American wine that received a medal and diploma; and such 
was also the case at the Paris Exposition of 1889. 

Apples may be said to be the principal fruit crop of the State. 
They are extensively grown, and there is a yearly increasing num- 
ber of trees planted. In one of the Valley counties a 17-year-old 
orchard of 1,150 trees produced an apple crop in 1905 which 
brought the owner $10,000, another of fifty 20-year trees brought 
$700. Mr. H. E. Vandeman, one of the best-known horticulturists 
in the country, says that there is not in all North America a better 
place to plant orchards than in Virginia. He says : "For rich 
apple soil, good flavor, and keeping qualities of the fruit, and 
nearness to the great markets of the East and Europe, your coun- 
try is wonderfully favored." 



35 

The trees attain a fine size and live to a good old age, and pro- 
duce most abundantly. In Patrick county there is a tree 9 feet 5 
inches around which has borne 110 bushels of apples at a single 
crop. There are other trees which have borne even more. One 
farmer in Albemarle county has received more than $15,000 for a 
single crop of Albemarle Pippins grown on twenty acres of land. 
This pippin is considered the most deliciously flavored apple in the 
world. Sixty years ago the Hon. Andrew Stevenson, of Albemarle, 
when minister from this country to England, presented a barrel of 
"Albemarle Pippins" to Queen Victoria, and from that day to this 
it has been the favorite apple in the royal household of Great 
Britain. Although the Blue Eidge and Piedmont sections are 
more particularly adapted to the apple, they are grown in great 
abundance in every part of the State. 

The fig, pomegranate, and other delicate fruits flourish in the 
Tidewater region. 

We have mentioned the cultivated fruits; but in many sections 
there will be found growing wild, in great abundance, the straw- 
berry, the whortleberry, the haw, the persimmon, the plum, the 
blackberry, the dewberry, a fine variety of grapes for jellies and 
for wines, the cherry, the raspberry, and the mulberry, and also 
will be found the chestnut, hazelnut, the walnut, the hickorynut, 
the beechnut, and the chinquepin. 

RIVERS AND WATER SUPPLY. 

Eive large and navigable rivers, with their affluents and tribu- 
taries, drain five-sixths of the State. These all empty into the 
Atlantic, four of them through the Chesapeake Bay, and one 
through Albemarle Sound. The four that empty into the Chesa- 
peake are the Potomac, Eappahannock, York, and James. The 
one that empties into Albemarle Sound is the Eoanoke or Staun- 
ton. These are all navigable to the head of Tidewater by large 
steamboats and sailing vessels. Besides these there are other 
long and copious streams or rivers, the Shenandoah that flows 
through the valley, and New Eiver and Clinch in Southwest Vir- 
ginia. These rivers are 'all supplied by multitudinous streams: 
rivulets and creeks; many of these long, and of sufficient size to 
entitle them to the name of rivers. Some of these are the Eoto- 



37 

mac creek and Occoquan that flow into the Potomac; the Eapid 
Anne that is a bold affluent of the Eappahannock ; the Mattapony 
and Pamunkey that at their confluence form the York ; the Chicka- 
hominy, Appomattox, Eivanna, Willis, Slate, Eockflsh, South, 
North, Cowpasture and Jackson, tributaries, of the James ; the Dan, 
Otter and Pig that flow into the Eoanoke. These affluents are but a 
few of the hundreds of streams in every part of the State that fall 
below the dimensions of rivers but which, in conjunction with the 
bolder streams, irrigate the country, furnish inexhaustible water 
power, supply numerous varieties of fish, furnish channels for in- 
land navigation, and by enlivening the landscapes, impart a 
picturesqueness to the scenery on all sides. Never-failing springs 
of pure, sparkling water abound in every section, many of them 
possessing medicinal properties of a high order. The statement is 
made, upon high authority, that no State possesses such an 
abundant supply of mineral waters. The rainfall is abundant and 
evenly distributed, there being two sources of rain -supply, one from 
the Atlantic by the southeast winds and one from the gulf by 
the winds from the southwest. The annual rainfall is 35 inches 
in the southwest, and 55 inches on the eastern coast, the average 
throughout the State being about 43 inches. 

From the above statements, ii can easily be believed that Vir- 
ginia is one of the most abundantly watered countries upon the 
face of the earth. There can scarcely be found a square mile, on 
which there is not either a running stream or a bold spring. There 
is probably no other area of the world's surface, of equal dimen- 
sions, that is so abundantly and uniformly watered. 

WATER POWER. 

In this busy age, when every accessory of human industry is 
eagerly utilized, it may not be amiss to call more particular at- 
tention to the marvelous supply of water power which the rivers 
and streams of the State afford. In this connection we will quote 
the following passage from the pamphlet entitled "Information 
for the Homeseeker and Investor," published by this Department 
(the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Immigration), more 
particularly for the purpose of distribution at the recent St. Louis 
Exposition. 



38 



Even in Tidewater, the flattest part of the State, the numerous 
smaller rivers and creeks have sufficient fall to furnish ample 
water power for grist mills and, of course, the same power could 
be used for other purposes. Where Tidewater joins Middle Vir- 
ginia, there is a rocky ledge which rises up quite abruptly, and over 
which all streams have to pour to reach the ocean. In pouring 
over that ledge rapids are formed which give magnificent water 
power. This water power is especially fine just above Alexandria, 
on the Potomac; at Fredericksburg, on the Eappahannock; at 
Eichmond, on the James, and at Petersburg, on the Appomattox. 

To take only one locality as an illustration : 

At Eichmond, in a distance of three and one-half miles, there 
is a fall of 84 feet, and in a distance of nine miles there is a fall 
of 118 feet. The other streams mentioned have practically the 
same fall. This enormous water power, occurring just at the head 
of Tidewater and deep water navigation, gives the manufacturer 
who uses this power the benefit of both railway and water 
transportation. As the mountainous region is approached, every 
river, creek and branch is capable of furnishing fine water power. 
The effective fall of the James from Lynchburg to Eichmond, 
a distance of 1463/2 miles, is 429 feet; between Lynchburg and 
Buchanan, 50 miles, the effective fall is 299 feet; between Buch- 
anan and Covington, a distance of 47 miles, the effective fall is 
436 feet. "Indeed," as Commodore M. P. Maury says, "the 
James river and its tributaries alone afford water power enough 
to line their banks from Covington and Lexington, with a single 
row of factories, all the way to Eichmond." New Eiver also 
furnishes magnificent water power. In fact, all through the 
State an abundance of the finest water power is awaiting develop- 
ment. A very small proportion of this power is at present de- 
veloped. 

Of the four navigable rivers of Virginia that are tidal to the 
ocean, three of them, the Potomac, Eappahannock, and James, 
take their rise in the mountain region and wind through land- 
scapes of surpassing loveliness to deliver their waters into that 
Bay which, like an inland sea, washes her eastern front. The 
York, a wide, straight stream, navigable for the largest vessels, 
is less than forty miles in length, and is rather an estuary, or 
arm of the Bay, than a river. The Mattapony and Pamunkey, 



39 



that unite at West Point to form the York, drain a considerable 
portion of Tidewater and Middle Virginia. 

The Chesapeake Bay is not only the most picturesque and beau- 
tiful sheet of water upon the globe but it has no equal for the 
abundance and variety of the marine food which it supplies. It 
is 200 miles long, with an average width of 15 miles. It has the 
most abundant oyster beds in the world, and its Lynnhaven Bay 
oyster is confessedly the largest and most delicious specimen of 
this bivalve to be found in any water. It supplies, in inexhaustive 
quantities, every fish known to the southern waters, with the 
exception of the pampano, which is peculiar to the Gulf of Mexico. 
Turtles, crabs, terrapins, lobsters and clams abound, while birds 
by tens of thousands, crowd its waters, and the inlets and marshes 
chat mark its borders — swans, geese, ducks and sora. The canvass- 
back duck, that feeds on the wild celery and grasses that fringe 
its banks, possesses a game flavor that is coveted by the epicure. 

We have not overdrawn the picture of the attractive invitation 
which Virginia extends to the home-seeker, particularly the one 
who desires to reside in the country and follow the life of a farmer. 
With her diversified surface and varied elevation, her mild climate, 
fine rainfall, well distributed through the year, Virginia, with her 
numerous water courses and streams, and her fertile soil, presents 
an opportunity for all kinds of agricultural pursuits. The home- 
seeker can find an attractive location for any line of cultivation he 
may wish to follow. From the fish and oysters of the bays and 
estuaries, the peanut growing and trucking of the Tidewater, the 
raising of corn, wheat, oats, tobacco, fruits, and stock of the 
Piedmont, to the blue grass grazing of the more mountainous 
section, he has a varied field of selection. 

FORESTS. 

The forests of Virginia abound in an unusual variety of woods, 
especially the valuable hardwoods, so important in modern con- 
struction. In these forests are found every wood known to south- 
ern soils except the noted red cedar of Alabama. Most of the un- 
cultivated land consists of woodland tracts. Pine forests and cy- 
press swamps cover vast areas of the Tidewater section. This soil 
favors also the growth of the cedar, willow, locust, juniper and 



40 

gum, and to some extent the oak — woods that furnish the best 
material for staves, shingles, ship-timber, and sawed lumber. In 
the central and western sections are found the oak, hickory, wal- 
nut, chestnut, birch, beech, maple, poplar, cherry, ash, sycamore, 
and elm. In the higher latitudes are found the hemlock, spruce, 
and white pine. Oak, pines and poplar are the chief woods for 
building. The durable hardwoods, oak, hickory, walnut and chest- 
nut, are valuable in the manufacture of agricultural implements, 
cars, and furniture. Paper is made from the pulp of the soft 
poplar. Oak bark and sumac leaves are extensively used in 
tanning and dyeing. 

MINERAL RESOURCES OF VIRGINIA. 

Virginia presents probably the most promising field for investment 
in its vast resources of almost every known commercial mineral 
product. Building stone, granite, limestone, slate, soapstone, 
mica, clays of all kinds available, from the common red 
brick to the finest pottery-clay, coal, coke, iron, lead, zinc, tin, cop- 
per, manganese, pyrites, arsenic, gypsum, salt, baryta, marble, as- 
bestos, gold and silver are all found more or less in paying 
quantities. 

Cheap labor, fuel, timber and water are abundant. Transporta- 
tion facilities are of the best, and climatic conditions are such that 
out-door work can be carried on the year round. 

The mineral lands can be acquired at the most reasonable prices, 
and every facility is offered to induce capital to undertake the 
development of these products. 

No State in the Union produces such a variety of mineral waters 
nor contains such a number of medicinal springs, situated, for the 
most part, in a delightful summer climate in the most beautiful 
scenic parts of the Blue Ridge and Alleghany mountains, offering 
ideal locations for summer and health resorts; some of which are 
now world-famous, but the most of them are not utilized on an 
extensive scale. They, however, only lack the necessary capital 
and enterprise to make them equally famous with their more for- 
tunate neighbors. 

Building stones of superior quality are found in a large part 
of the State. Notably from Richmond west to the eastern edge 



41 

of the Blue Eidge. Chesterfield and Henrico granites are well 
known outside of the State, having been used in building the 
postoffices of Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pa. 

Buckingham slate is being shipped to England in competition 
with the Scotch and Welsh slate, and orders cannot be filled fast 
enough. This is a guarantee not only of quality but cheapness 
of production. 

Soapstone, of a very fine quality, is produced near Schuyler, in 
Nelson County, and is mostly marketed as a finished product. 

Limestone from, the quarries of the Shenandoah Valley and 
southwest is well known. 

Clays, from that used for common brick making to pure kaolin 
for China clay, are found in abundance east of a line running 
through Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Eichmond, Petersburg and 
Emporia. 

Coal-bearing formations cover an area of about 2,120 square 
miles in the State. The most notable deposits are those of the 
Eichmond coal basin, Pocahontas Plat Top Field, Tazewell 
County, the Clinch Valley and Big Stone Gap districts in Wise 
and Lee counties, and the hard coals of Price and Brush Moun- 
tains, Montgomery county. 

Copper ore is found in Grayson, Carroll, Floyd, Halifax, Char- 
lotte, Prince Edward, Buckingham, Louisa, Fluvanna and Gooch- 
land counties, and in the igneous rocks of the Blue Eidge, notably 
Warren county. The most extensive development has been done 
in Halifax county, where there are a number of mines producing 
ore in paying quantities and showing most excellent prospects for 
extensive development. 

Tin is found in Eockbridge and Nelson. In Eockbridge, at 
least two parallel workable vein systems exist. 

Lead and zinc are found in many parts of the State, notably, 
Wythe, Pulaski, Smyth, Giles, Bland, Tazewell, Eussell, Scott, and 
Grayson counties. The most extensive development is in Wythe 
county, at Austinville, on New Eiver. Work has gone to a depth 
of 200 feet without getting to the bottom of the deposit. 

The IT. S. Arsenic Mines Co. have a plant near Ferris Ford in 
Floyd county, for the production of white arsenic from their 
mines at this point. 

Asbestos is found in Franklin, Buckingham, Amelia, Wythe, 
Floyd, Grayson, Bedford, Goochland and Fauquier counties. 



42 

Deposits of commercial mica are found in Caroline, Spottsyl- 
vania, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan, Buckingham, Prince Ed- 
ward, and Amelia counties. 

The iron industry of Virginia is so well known that very little 
need be said about it. The four varieties of ore used in iron 
manufacture — magnetite, specular ore, limonite and spathic ore — 
are all found in the iron ore regions of Virginia; the first three in 
great abundance. 

Deposits of manganese ore, including high grade oxides and 
manganiferous iron ore, occur widely distributed through the 
State, particularly along the James Eiver Valley and the Valley 
of Virginia, and have been extensively developed at several points. 

Of high grade ores, Virginia has for many years supplied the 
greater part of the total output of the United States, the most of 
it coming from the well-known Crimora mines, situated in Augusta 
county, about two miles east of Crimora station, on the Norfolk 
and Western railroad. 

Pyrite is one of the most frequently occurring minerals, and is 
found in the rocks in all parts of the State. It is a constituent of 
the ore of all the gold mines in the Virginia belt below water level, 
and it is only when auriferous, or when it occurs comparatively 
pure and in large quanities, that it is commercially valuable. 

The extensive deposits of Louisa county, which are being worked 
by the Sulphur Mines and Eailroad Company, and the Arminius 
Copper Company, are of great interest and importance, contributing 
as they do about 150,000 tons annually of high grade pyrites — - 
more than half of the total output of the United States. The 
deposits extend in a northeast and southwest direction in the 
vicinity of Mineral City, on the Chesapeake and Ohio Eailway. 
for a distance of five miles, and consist of a succession of 
great lenticular masses of high-grade pyrite, lying conformably 
with the stratification of the enclosing hydromica and talcose 
slate rocks. In extent these deposits can only be compared with 
those of Norway, Spain and Portugal, and they possess the 
advantage over the European deposits of being quite free from 
arsenic. 

Gold is found in two distinct belts, crossing the State in a north- 
easterly and southwesterly direction, the western ore passing 
through Floyd county and the counties to the northeast and south- 



43 



west of it. The eastern belt which, so far as is at present known, 
is the more important of the two, begins at the Maryland line about 
14 miles west of Washington City, and extends across the State 
to the North Carolina line, passing through the counties of Fair- 
fax, Prince William, Fauquier, Stafford, Culpeper, Spottsylvania, 
Orange, Louisa, Fluvanna, Goochland, Buckingham, Cumberland, 
Appomattox, Campbell, Pittsylvania, and a portion of Halifax. 

In most of these counties mining for gold was successfully car- 
ried on previous to the war, but since that time little or no intelli- 
gent work has been done. Many attempts have been made on a 
small scale with inexperienced management and insufficient capi- 
tal and, for the most part, failure has been caused by putting all 
available funds into a mill to treat the ore, while in no case has 
sufficient development work been done to warrant this expenditure. 

There is no doubt that were this belt worked with capital and 
experience, such as is employed in gold mining sections in the west 
(very few of which can show such well-defined and continuous 
veins), results would compare favorably. 

It is a matter of Mint record that the mines in the State have 
produced from shallow workings (from 40 to 65 feet deep) several 
millions of dollars, and that with the crudest of mills. It is also 
a known fact that sulphide ores exist in the bottoms of sbme 
of these workings of payable value. Modern appliances, capital 
and enterprise is all that is necessary to develop the belt into a 
marked feature in the production of gold in this country. 

COMMERCIAL FACILITIES. 

In respect to ready access to markets for the products of her 
soil, of her foundries and factories, and of her inexhaustible beds 
of coal and iron, as well as in respect to facility of purchase from 
the markets of the world without, Virginia is' most favorably cir- 
cumstanced. Five trunk lines of railroads penetrate and intersect 
the State. These, with their numerous branch lines, and their 
connections with other roads, place every portion of the State in 
communication with every principal port and city in the country. 
The lines of steamboats that ply the navigable streams of eastern 
Virginia afford commercial communication for large sections of 
the State with the markets of this country and of Europe. At 




NATURAL BRIDGE, ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VA. — ONE OF THE SEVEN WONDERS OF 

THE WORLD. 



45 

Norfolk and Newport News are ports that maintain communica- 
tion with the European markets by means of sea-going steamers 
and vessels, while from these ports is also kept up an extensive 
commerce along the Atlantic seaboard. The harbor of Hampton 
Roads, upon which these ports sit like crowned queens of com- 
merce, is the largest, deepest and safest upon the whole Atlantic 
coast. Upon its bosom the combined navies and commercial ma- 
rine of the world can ride in safety, and with ample berth. As 
has been before stated, these ports are nearer than is New York to 
the great centers of population, and areas of production, of the 
west and northwest. Chicago is nearer by fifty miles, in a direct 
line, to Norfolk than it is to New York. The harbor on the south- 
ern coast of England, between the Isle of Wight and the mainland, 
has been named, from its safety, the "King's Chamber." Hamp- 
ton Roads, sheltered by the Virginia capes from the storms of the 
Atlantic, may well be regarded as our King's Chamber. 

NATURAL WONDERS. 

Many of the most marvelous natural wonders of the world are 
found in Virginia. The most widely known of these is The 
Natural Bridge, in Rockbridge county, 14 miles from Lexington. 
It is a stupendous bridge of rock, and from it the county (Eock- 
bridge) received its name. It is 215 feet and 6 inchee from the 
creek below to the top of the span or arch above. The arch is 90 
feet in length, 40 feet thick, and 60 feet wide; and across, there 
runs a public county road. On either side of this road there are 
trees and bushes, so that travelers frequently pass over the stupen- 
dous chasm without being aware of its presence. This bridge is 
part of the roof of an ancient limestone cave. 

In the limestone section of the State there are numerous caves. 
The most noted of these are Weyer's Cave in Augusta county and 
the Luray Caverns in Page county. There are in both of these, 
numerous halls, chambers and grottoes, brilliant with stalactites 
and stalagmites, and adorned with other forms curiously wrought 
by the slow dripping of water through the centuries. 

Crab Tree Falls near the summit of the Blue Bidge, in Nelson 
county, are formed by a branch of Tye river. They consist of 
three falls, the longest of these leaps of the stream being 500 



46 

feet. This freak of nature, and the unsurpassed mountain 
scenery of the surrounding region, attract many tourists. The Bal- 
cony Falls, immediately where Eockbridge, Amherst and Bed- 
ford counties corner, the passage where the James river cuts its 
way through the Blue Eidge, presents a scene of grandeur, little, 
if any, inferior to the passage of the Potomac at Harper's Ferry 
through the same range of mountains. 

Mountain Lake, in Giles county, is a beautiful body of deep 
water, some 3,500 feet above the sea level. The water is so trans- 
parent that the bottom can be seen in every part. Pleasure boats 
sailing upon it pass above the trunks and tops of large trees 
that are plainly seen. This would indicate that the lake is not of 
very great antiquity. Mountain Lake is a great summer resort. 

The Dismal Swamp may properly be accounted a natural won- 
der. It is an extensive region lying mostly in Virginia,, but partly 
in North Carolina, and covered with dense forests of cypress, juni- 
per, cedar and gum. It is a remote, weird region, inhabited by 
many wild animals. Its silence is broken by resounding echoes of 
the woodman's axe in hewing its trees that are of great value for 
the manufacture of buckets, tubs, and other varieties of wooden 
ware, and for shingles, staves and ship-timber. In the middle of 
this swamp is Lake Drummond (lying entirely on the Virginia 
side), a round body of water, six miles in diameter, being the 
largest lake in the State. It is noted for the purity of its 
amber-colored water, the hue being derived from the roots of 
cypress and juniper. This water will remain for years without 
becoming stale or stagnant, and is used by ships and vessels going 
on long sea voyages. 

EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES. 

In the pamphlet heretofore referred to as prepared by the Agri- 
cultural Department for distribution at the St. Louis Exposition, 
there is an accurate account of the educational advantages of Vir- 
ginia which is here transferred to this handbook: 

Virginia has, from early colonial days, been a leader in edu- 
cational matters. While the system of African slavery and the 
long distances between the great plantations prevented the develop- 
ment of a public school system like that in the New England 
colonies, yet some of the first free schools on the continent were 



47 

in Virginia. William and Mary College, next to Harvard, the 
oldest in America, was founded in the latter part of the seven- 
teenth century, and sent out from her walls fifteen United States 
Senators, seventy members of the Federal House of Representa- 
tives, seventeen Governors, thirty-seven Judges, three Presidents — 
Jefferson, Monroe, and Tyler — and the great Chief Justice John 
Marshall. Excellent private schools abounded in Virginia prior 
to the Revolution; but Mr. Jefferson, who believed that in a democ- 
racy all the people should be educated, introduced into the Gen- 
eral Assembly, while the Revolutionary War was going on, a bill 
for the establishment of a complete system of public instruction , 
from the primary school to the university. The bill failed to be- 
come a law, but in 1797, that portion of Jefferson's bill providing 
for primary schools was enacted into a law, but the execution was, 
unfortunately, left with the old County Court, which failed to 
carry the law into operation. Mr. Jefferson lived to see the State 
University opened, in 1825, but his chief concern to the day of his 
death was the establishment of a system of primary public schools 
in which the children of all the people could be educated. 

The General Assembly enacted a public school law in 1846, leav- 
ing it optional with counties and cities to adopt it. When the 
war of secession came on, this system had been adopted in a num- 
ber of counties and cities, but it was wiped out by the devastating 
waves of Civil War. The Convention of 1867 framed a Consti- 
tution that provided for a system of public free schools for every 
city and county of the State, and the General Assembly put the 
system into operation in 1870, four years before the Constitution 
required it. 

The development of the public school system since its inaugu- 
ration has been steady and progressive. During the last school 
year 9,965 schools were opened; 385,640 pupils were enrolled in 
them; the value of school property owned by districts was $4,250,- 
000, and total amount spent for public schools was $2,667,167.24. 
The people of Virginia are manifesting great interest in the 
movement for better schools. Associations for the improvement of 
the schools have been formed in every section of the State, and 
educators are constantly delivering addresses to interested audi- 
ences on the value of education and the importance of increasing 
the efficiency of our public school system. The Co-operative Edu- 



49 

cation Commission, organized about one year ago, and composed 
of many of the leading citizens of Virginia, is doing effective work 
in arousing public sentiment throughout the State in favor of 
better public schools, and in every neighborhood the educational 
advantages are being enlarged. 

The State Constitution, ordained in 1902, contains liberal pro- 
visions for public education, under the operation of which the local 
revenues for school purposes will be largely increased. The de- 
mand is going up from every section for better schoolhouses, bet- 
ter teachers, and longer school terms. In addition to the primary 
and grammar schools all the cities and towns, and many of the 
rural districts, have excellent public high schools. 

So high a standing have Virginia's institutions of learning that 
her colleges number among their students, pupils from almost 
every State in the Union. The State is well provided with schools 
for girls. 

The State Female Normal School at Farinville and the - State 
Male Normal School at William and Mary College afford ex- 
cellent preparation for the work of teaching in the public schools. 
The Virginia Polytechnic Institute at Blacksburg and the Univer- 
sity of Virginia at Charlottesville are among the foremost insti- 
tutions of the kind in this country. The Virginia Military Insti- 
tute at Lexington, also a State institution, affords excellent in- 
struction in military science, being second only to the United 
States Military Academy at West Point. 

At William and Mary the Virginia students get the tuition 
free. 

At the University of Virginia the academical students (but not 
the professional) from Virginia receive their tuition free. At the 
Virginia Polytechnic Institute 400 students may receive free tui- 
tion, that is four for each member of the House of Delegates. 

At the Virginia Military Institute there may be fifty cadets who 
receive board and tuition free, one from each senatorial district 
and ten from the State at large. 

At the State Female Normal School there may be one student 
from each county and city in the State who shall receive tuition free. 

In addition to these State institutions of higher learning, there 
are many excellent denominational colleges. 




£ s 



51 

Lee Universit}^ for both, sexes in Virginia at which students can 
obtain an education in the higher branches at comparatively a 
small cost. Mention should also be made of the private academies 
and high schools which may be found in every section of the State. 

It will thus be seen that Virginia has a complete system of 
public instruction, extending from the primary grades to the uni- 
versity and the technical schools, and many private high schools, 
academies, and colleges. 

Industrial training has been introduced into the public schools 
of some of the cities and towns, and the State Board of Education 
has just made provision for introducing instruction in agriculture 
into the rural public schools. 

The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Staunton is 
one of the most efficient of its kind in the country. 

Virginia maintains an efficient system of public schools for col- 
ored children, and the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Insti- 
tute and the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute, at Farm- 
ville, both State institutions, afford unsurpassed facilities for prac- 
tical education. 

VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE IN THE LAST CENSUS. 

The following items of interest are taken from the last census, 
1900, the crops reported being those grown in 1899 : 

Virginia increased in the value of vegetables produced in the last 
ten years 491 per cent. The value of all kinds of vegetables pro- 
duced in the year 1899 was $9,000,000. The value of all crops 
was $54,900,000. Average value per acre of vegetables, $47.63. 
Average value for all crops, $12.06, as compared with States like 
Ohio, whose average value per acre for all crops was $12.59; of 
vegetables, $44.97. Pennsylvania's average value per acre for all 
crops was $13.86; of vegetables, $51.00. 

The average value per acre of corn last year in Virginia was 
$11.55 ; in Indiana, $11.59 ; in Iowa, $10.64. 

In wheat, the average value in Virginia was $7.31 per acre; in 
Indiana, $7.80, and in Iowa, $7.69 per acre. 

The average value per acre in potatoes in Virginia was $53.76 ; 
in Michigan, $50.16; in Ohio, $50.63 per acre. 

In hay, the average value per acre in Virginia was $17.85; in 
Indiana, $12.58; in Illinois, $14.70 per acre. (United States 
agricultural report, 1903.) 



52 



Virginia ranks first in the United States as producer of kale 
and spinach. She ranks second in the production of cabbage, and 
third in tobacco, and is the largest peanut-producing State. 

Virginia ranks eighth in the number of apple trees growing. 

In the following table is given a list of those counties in the 
State growing more than 100,000 apple trees : 



Apple 


Peach 


Pear 


505,000 


110,000 


9,800 


344,000 


48,000 


8,800 


266,000 


50,000 


3,300 


275,000 


10,000 


950 


229,000 


48,000 


6,500 


220,000 


16,000 


950 


210,000 


66,000 


1,800 


200,000 


34,000 


4,000 


192,000 


160,000 


1,000 


196,000 


30,000 


10,000 


193,000 


7,500 


660 


191,000 


105,000 


5,500 


1*1,000 


54,000 


5,000 


183,000 


68,000 


5,500 


172,500 


70,000 


5,500 


151,000 


23,000 


1,600 


140,000 


31,000 


4,200 


139,000 


20,000 


3,100 


132,000 


4,000 


980 


132,000 


9,500 


voo 


124,000 


5,300 


1.100 


118,000 


93,000 


27,000 



Albemarle 

Augusta 

Bedford 

Patrick 

Buckingham. . . 

Nelson 

Franklin 

Bappahannock. 

Frederick 

Floyd 

Carroll 

Botetourt 

Boanoke. 
Pittsylvania. . . 
Shenandoah . . . 
Washington . . . 
Bockbridge. . . . 

Amherst 

Scott 

Lee 

Madison 

Fairfax 



Crop of 1899 produced 10,000,000 bushels apples and 8,000,000 
bushels peaches. 

Sales of animal products year 1899 : Wool, $409,600 ; milk, 
butter and cheese, $7,000,000; poultry, $6,681,553. Increase in 
live stock during the last ten years : Dairy cows, 8,242 head ; neat 
cattle, 70,000 head; horses, 50,000 head; mules, 10,000 head; 
swine, 50,000 head. 

A remarkable report on the three principal industries in Virginia 
during the five years, 1900-1905, shows that the capital invested 
increased in that time as follows: 



Tobacco 
Lumber 
Flour, meal, etc. 



1900 

£6,508,618 

7,804,563 

3,198,207 



1905 
$23,477,649 
12,527,858 
5,503,101 



Increase 
$16,969,031 
4,723,295 
2,304,894 



53 

— making a total increase in capital invested in the manufacture of 
these products in Virginia of $23,996,120 in five years. 
From the same report it is shown as follows: 

Capital invested in Virginia in manufactures was: 1900, $92,299,- 
589; 1905, $147,989,182; increase $55,689,593—60 per cent. 

Wages paid: 1900, $20,273,889; 1905, $27,943,058; increase, 
$7,665,169—37.8 per cent. 

Cost material, 1900, $59,359,484; 1905, $83,649,149; increase, 
$24, 289,665—40.9 per cent. 

Value products: 1900, $108,644,150; 1905, $148,856,525; in- 
crease, $40,212,375—37 per cent. 

—From U. S. Census 1906. 

For further information about Virginia write G. W. Koiner, the 
Commissioner of Agriculture and Immigration, Kichmond, Va. 




CLAUDE A. SWANSON, GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA. 



State Government of Virginia. 



OFFICERS AT THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT AT RICHMOND, VA. 



GOVERNOR. 



Claude A. Swanson Pittsylvania County. 

Private Secretary, B. P. Owen Manchester, Va. 

LIEUTENANT-GO V ERNOR. 

J. Taylor Ellyson Richmond City. 

ATTORNEY-GENERAL. 

William A. Anderson Rockbridge County. 

Clerk, T. Gray Haddon Richmond City. 

ASSISTANT ATTORNEY -GENERAL. 

Robert Catlett Rockbridge County. 

SECRETARY OP THE COMMONWEALTH. 

D. Q. Eggleston Charlotte County. 

Chief Clerk, J. G. Hankins Halifax County. 

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

J. D. Eggleston, Jr Prince Edward County. 

Chief Clerk, R. C. Stearns Roanoke County. 

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND IMMIGRATION. 

Geo. W. Koiner Richmond City. 

Chief Clerk, E. B. Chesterman Richmond City. 

STATE TREASURER. 

A. W. Harmon, Jr - Rockbridge County. 

Chief Clerk, C. H. Urner Shenandoah County. 

AUDITOR OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS. 

Morton Marye Alexandria. 

Chief Clerk, C. Lee Moore Alexandria. 

SECOND AUDITOR. 

John G. Dew King and Queen County. 

Chief Clerk, W. Chase Morton Richmond City. 

Register of Land Office, and Superintendent of Public Grounds and 

Buildings. 

John W. Richardson Smyth County. 

Clerk, Robert C. Kasey Richmond City. 



56 



SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC PRINTING. 

Davis Bottom Richmond City. 

Clerk, S. M. O'Bannon Henrico County. 

Insurance Commissioner 

Joseph Button Appomattox County. 

Commissioner or Highways. 
P. St. Julian Wilson Richmond City. 

SUPERINTENDENT OF THE PENITENTIARY. 

E. F. Morgan. Roanoke County. 

Assistant Superintendent, F. A. Lamb Manchester. 

Clerk, T. R. Kemper Richmond City, 

A D JUTANT-GENERAL. 

Charles J. Anderson Richmond City. 

Clerk, Jos. Le Masurier Richmond City. 

COMMISSIONER OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL STATISTICS. 

James B. Doherty Richmond City. 

STATE LIBRARIAN. 

John Pendleton Kennedy Richmond City. 

Assistant, Edward S. Evans Richmond City. 

STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION. 

Beverly T. Crump, Chairman Richmond City. 

Jos. E. Willard Fairfax County. 

Henry C. Stuart Russell County. 

Chief Clerk, R. T. Wilson Richmond City. 

Note.— The Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Attorney-General, Secretary of 
the Commonwealth, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Commissioner of Agri- 
, culture, and State Treasurer are elected by the people for a term of four years, their 
present terms <ommencing on February 1, 1906. 

The Auditor of Public Accounts, Second Auditor, Register of the Land Office, 
and Superintendent of Public Printing are elected by the Legislature for a term of four 
years, their present terms expiring on March 1, 1908. 

The Superintendent of the Penitentiary is elected by the Board of Directors of 
the Penitentiary for a term of four years, the present term expiring January 1, 1908. 

The Adjutant-General is appointed by the Governor for a term of four years; 
the Commissioner of Labor for two years, and members of the State Corporation 
Commission f«>r six years, commencing on March 1st. 

MEMBERS OF THE SENATE OF VIRGINIA. 

Term Four Years. — (See Note.) 

The following are the counties and cities composing the Senatorial Districts 
and the names of the senators, with their postoffice addresses : 

First District — Washington, Smyth and city of Bristol — A. T. Lincoln, 
Marion, Va. 

Second District — Scott, Lee and Wise — J. C. Noel, Pennington Gap, Va. 

Third District — Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell — R. Walter 
Dickenoon, Bickley Mills, Va. 



57 

Fourth District — Montgomery, Koanoke city and county, and city of Radford 
— A. A. Phlegar, Christiansburg, Va. 

Fifth District— Giles, Bland, Pulaski and Wythe— P. F. St. Clair, Bane, Va. 

Sixth District — Carroll, Grayson and Patrick — John F. Greear, Troutdale, 
Va. 

Seventh District — Craig, Botetourt, Alleghany and Bath — Harvey L. Gar- 
rett,* Covington, Va. 

Eighth District — Rockingham — George B. Keezell, Keezeltown, Va. 

Ninth District — Augusta, Highland and city of Staunton — Edward Echols, 
Staunton, Va. 

Tenth District — Shenandoah, Frederick and Winchester — F. S. Tavenner, 
Woodstock, Va. 

Eleventh District — Loudoun and Fauquier — B. W. Lynn, Leesburg, Va. 

Twelfth District — Clarke, Page and Warren — M. J. Fulton, Front Royal, Va. 

Thirteenth District — Spotsylvania, Stafford, Louisa and city of Fredericks- 
burg — F. W. Sims, Louisa, Va. 

Fourteenth District —Alexandria city and county, Fairfax and Prince Wil- 
liam — L. H. Machen, Alexandria, Va. 

Fifteenth District — Culpeper, Rappahannock, Madison and Orange — Geo. S. 
Shackelford, Orange, Va. 

Sixteenth District — Goochland, Chesterfield, Powhatan and Manchester — 
Joseph P. Sadler, Powhatan, Va. 

Seventeenth District — Albemarle, Greene and city of Charlottesville — John S. 
Chapman, Stanardsville, Va. 

Eighteenth District — Appomattox, Buckingham, Fluvanna and Charlotte — 
Camm Patteson, Howardsville, Va. 

Nineteenth District — Amherst and Nelson — AubreyE. Strode, Amherst, Va. 

Twentieth District — Lynchburg and Campbell — A. F. Thomas, Lynchburg, 
Va. 

Twenty-first District — Halifax — H. O. Kern, Sutherlin, Va. 

Twenty-second District — Bedford, Rockbridge and Buena Vista — J. Lawrence 
Campbell, Bedford City, Va. 

Twenty-third District — Pittsylvania, Henry and city of Danville — William 
A. Garrett, Ridgeway, Va. 

Twenty-fourth District — 1'ittsylvania and Danville — George P. Rison, Chat- 
ham, Va. 

Twenty-fifth District — Mecklenburg and Brunswick — F. B. Roberts, Chase 
City, Va. 

Twenty-sixth District — Franklin and Floyd — S. T. Turner, Smart, Va. 

Twenty-seventh District — Greensville, Sussex, Surry and Prince George — 
Alex. R. Hobbs, Marl, Va. 

Twenty-eighth District — Nottoway, Amelia, Lunenburg, Prince Edward and 
Cumberland — William Hodges Mann, Nottoway, Va. 

Twenty-ninth District — Dinwiddie and city of Petersburg — Charles T. Lassi- 
ter, Petersburg, Va. 

*Deceased. 



SB 

Thirtieth District — Isle of Wight, Southampton and Nansemond — William 
Shands, Courtland, Va. 

Thirty-first District — Norfolk City— William Wilson Sale, Norfolk, Va. 

Thirty-second District — Caroline, Hanover and King William — Henry T. 
Wickham, Kichmond, Va. 

Thirty-third District — Norfolk county and city of Portsmouth — John C. 
Niemeyer, Portsmouth, Va. 

Thirty-fourth District — King George, Richmond, Westmoreland, Lancaster 
and Northumberland — (J. Harding Walker, Heathsville, Va. 

Thirty-fifth District — Henrico, New Kent, Charles City, James City and 
Williamsburg — T. Ashby Wickham, Kichmond, Va. 

Thirty-sixth District — Elizabeth City, York, Warwick and Newport News 
— Saxon W. Holt, Newport News, Va. 

Thirty-seventh District — Accomac, Northampton and Princess Anne — Ben- 
jamin T. Gunter, Accomac, Va. 

Thirty-eighth District — Richmond city — Charles J. Anderson, Richmond, 
Va. — A. C. Harman, Richmond, Va. 

Thirty-ninth District — King and Queen, Middlesex, Essex, Gloucester and 
Mathews — J. Boyd Sears, Mathews, Va. 

Note.— Senators representing odd districts were elected in November, 1905, for 
the term of two years, including Charles J. Anderson, of the thirty-eighth district. 
Senators representing even districts were elected in November, 1903, for the term of 
four years. 

Commencing with the election in November, 1907, all the members of the Sen. 
ate will be elected for the full term of four years. 

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES OF VIRGINIA. 

For the term of two years, commencing second Wednesday in January 1906. 

Accomac — John R. Rew, Parksley, Va. 

Albemarle and Charlottesville — T. M. Dunn, Free Union, Va., and D. S. 
Pitts, Scottsville, VaJ 

Alexandria City and County — James R. Caton, Alexandria, Va. 

Alleghany and Craig — N. E. Spessard, New Castle, Va. 

Amherst — H. D. Scott, Amherst, Va. 

Appomattox— A. B. Thornhill, Tower Hill, Va. 

Amelia and Nottoway — J. A. Sydnor, Mannboro, Va. 

Augusta and Staunton — John W. Churchman, Brookewood, Va., and Silas H. 
Walker, Weyers Cave, Va. 

Bath, Highland, Rockbridge and Buena Vista — S. W. Sterrett, Hull, Va. 

Bedford— H. C. Lowry, Bedford City, Va., and Thomas S. West, Bellevue, 
Va. 

Botetourt— W. C. Barker, Buchanan, Va. 

Brunswick — R. S. Powell, Wood view, Va. 

Buckingham and Cumberland — Paul McEae, McRae, Va 

Campbell — Eugene Ould, Evington, Va. 

Caroline — David B. Powers, Jr., Port Royal, Va. 

Carroll — J. L. C. Lindsey, Ocala, Va. 

t charlotte — Boylan Green, Drakes Branch, Va. 



59 



Chesterfield— W. W. Baker, Hallsboro, Va. 

Chesterfield, Powhatan and Manchester — Willis C. Pulliam, Manchester, 
Va. 

Clarke and Warren — M . M. Johnson, Front Royal, Va. 

Culpeper — Daniel A. Slaughter, Winston, Va. 

Dickenson and Wise — W. H. Roberts, Wise, Va. 

Dinwiddie — T. E. Clarke, Sutherland, Va. 

Elizabeth City and Accomac — H. R. Houston, Hampton, Va. 

Fairfax — R. E. Lee, Jr., Burke's Station, Va. 

Fauquier — M. M. Green, Warrenton, Va. 

Fauquier and Loudoun — J. H. Cochran, The Plains, Va. 

Floyd— D. L. Eller, Posey, Va. 

Franklin — John R. Guerrant, Calloway, Va. 

Frederick and Winchester — R. E. Byrd, Winchester, Va. 

Gloucester — James L. Taliaferro, Gloucester, Va. 

Goochland and Fluvanna — Pembroke Pettit, Palmyra, Va. 

Giles and Bland — Martin Williams, Pearisburg, Va. 

Grayson— L. K. Cornett, Elk Creek, Va. 

Halifax — J. A. Glenn, South Boston, Va., and M. B. Booker, South 
Boston, Va. 

Hanover — W. D. Cardwell, Richmond, Va. 

Henrico — C. W. Throckmorton, Richmond, Va. 

Henry — J. M. Barker, Jr., Axton, Va. 

Isle of Wight— W. E. Howie, Ferguson's Wharf, Va. 

King and Queen and Essex — James M. Lewis, Miller's Tavern, Va. 

King William and Hanover — O. O. Gwathmey, King, William, Va. 

Lancaster and Richmond — John Curlett, Whealton, Va. 

Lee — Harvey Young, Dryden, Va. 

Loudoun — F. M. Love, Purcellville, Va. 

Louisa — L. J. Haley, Buckner's, Va. 

Lunenburg — E. P. Wallace, Double Bridge, Va. 

Lynchburg — Tipton D. Jennings, Lynchburg, Va. 

Madison and Greene — N. B. Early, Jr., Dawson ville, Va. 

Mathews and Middlesex — G. E. T. Lane, Port Hey wood, Va. 

Mecklenburg — S. P. Read, Palmer's Springs, Va. 

Montgomery and Radford — Charles A. Johnston, Christiansburg, Va. 

Nansemond — Robert W. Withers, Suffolk, Va. 

Nelson — George W. Whitehead, Roseland, Va. 

Newport News — W. E. Barrett, Newport News, Va . 

New Kent, Charles City, James City, York, Warwick and Williamsburg — 
R. T. Gregory, Tunstalls, Va. 

Norfolk City— William W. Old, Jr., Norfolk, Va., and E. W. Gaines, Nor- 
folk, Va. 

Norfolk County — E. W. Owens, Portsmouth, Va., and W. G. Parker, 
Portsmouth, Va. 

Northampton and Accomac — John T. Wilkins , Eastville, Va. 



60 

Northumberland and Westmoreland — George Mason, Colonial Beach, Va. 

Orange — C. C. Taliaferro, Nasons, Va. 

Page and Rappahannock — D. S. Louderback, Shenandoah, Va. 

Patrick — James W. Barnard, Kibler, Va. 

Pittsylvania and Danville — S. F. Clement, Sandy Level, Va , W. N. Brown, 
Danville, Va., and Samuel H. Wilson, Byrdville, Va. 

Petersburg — Robert E. Gill, Petersburg, Va. 

Portsmouth — Charles T. Bland, Portsmouth, Va. 

Princess Anne — Geo. T. Snead, Pungo, Va. 

Prince Edward — J. J. Owen, Green Bay, Va. 

Prince William — Thomas H. Lion, Manassas, Va. 

Pulaski — Jas. T. Trolinger, Pulaski, Va. 

Rockingham — H. M. Rogers, Mount Crawford, Va., and P. B. F. Good, 
Montevideo, Va. 

Richmond City — Edwin P. Cox, Harry C. Glenn, Eugene C. Massie, Robt. 
E. Peyton, Jr., and Ordway Puller, Richmond, Va. 

Roanoke City and County — A. M. Bowman, Salem, Va., and A. B. Coleman, 
Roanoke, Va. 

Rockbridge and Buena Vista — R. G. Mitchell, Brownsburg, Va. 

Russell — J. H. Meade, Honaker, Va. 

Scott— C. S. Pendleton, Hills Station, Va. 

Shenandoah — Burder B. Bowman, Edenburg, Va. 

Smyth — J. H. Wissler, Cedar Springs, Va. 

Southampton — Joseph B. Prince, Courtland, Va. 

Spotsylvania and Frederickburg — Granville R. Swift, Fredericksburg, Va. 

Stafford and King George— R. C. L. Moncure, Falmouth, Va. 

Sussex and Greensville — J. E. Person, Jarratt, Va. 

Surry and Prince George — S. B. Barham, Jr., Runnymede, Va. 

Tazewell and Buchanan. — J. P. Royall, Tazewell, Va. 

Washington and City of Bristol— J. D. Williams, Glade Spring, Va., and J. 
C. Stanfield, Holston, Va. 

Wythe— W. E. Hillenburg, Crockett Depot, Va. 

VIRGINIA REPRESENTATION IN CONGRESS. 

SENATORS. 

John W. Daniel, of Lynchburg Term expires 1911. 

Thomas S. Martin, of Albemarle Term expires 1907. 

REPRESENTATIVES. 

First District— Wm. A. Jones, Warsaw. 

Accomac, Northampton, Lancaster, Richmond county, Northumberland, 
Westmoreland, Gloucester, Middlesex, Mathews, Essex, King and Queen, Car- 
oline, Spotsylvania, and city of Fredericksburg. 

Second District — H. L. Maynard, Portsmouth. 
Cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Williamsburg, Newpoit News; counties of 



61 

Princess Anne, Norfolk, Nansemond, Isle of Wight, Southampton, Elizabeth 
City, Warwick, York, James City, Charles City and Surry. 
Third District — John Lamb, Kichmond. 
Cities of Kichmond and Manchester and the counties of Henrico, Gooch- 
land, Chesterfield, New Kent, Hanover and King William. 
Fourth District — R. G. Southall, Amelia. 
City of Petersburg, and the counties of Prince George, Sussex, Dinwiddie, 
Greenesville, Brunswick, Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Amelia, Pow- 
hatan and Prince Edward. 

Fifth District — Vacancy caused by election of Claude A. Swanson to Gover- 
norship to be filled at November election. 
City of Danville, and counties of Pittsylania, Franklin, Floyd, Henry 
Patrick, Carroll and Grayson. 

Sixth District — Carter Glass, Lynchburg. 
Cities of Lynchburg and Roanoke, and the counties of Roanoke, Mont, 
gomery, Bedford, Campbell, Charlotte and Halifax. 

Seventh District — James Hay, Madison. 
Cities of Winchester and Charlottesville, and the counties of Frederick, 
Clarke, Warren, Rappahannock, Madison, Greene, Albemarle, Rockingham, 
Shenaadoah and Page. 

Eighth District — John F. Rixey, Culpeper. 
City of Alexandria, and counties of Loudoun, Fairfax, Alexandria, Fau- 
quier, Culpeper, Orange, Louisa, King George, Stafford and Prince William. 
Ninth District — Campbell Slemp, Big Stone Gap. 
Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson, Buchanan, Russell, Washington, Smyth, 
Bland, Tazewell, Wythe, Pulaski, Giles and Craig, and city of Bristol. 
Tenth District — H. D. Flood, West Appomattox. 
Cities of Staunton and Buena Vista, and counties of Augusta, Bath, High- 
land, Alleghany, Rockbridge, Amherst, Nelson, Appomattox, Buckingham, 
Fluvanna Cumberland and Botetourt. 

BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS. 
Governor, Secretory of the Commonwealth, Auditor of Public Accounts, 
State Treasurer and Attorney-General. 

J. G. Hankins, Secretary. 

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION. 

Claude A. Swanson, Governor. 

W. A. Anderson, Attorney-General. 

J. D. Eggleston, Jr , Superintendent Public Instruction. 

Lyon G. Tyler, President William and Mary College. 

Charles W. Kent, Professor of English Literature, University of Virginia. 

W. A. Bowles, Superintendent Virginia School for Deaf and Blind, Staunton. 

Jno. T. West, Superintendent of Schools of Norfolk County. 

E. C. Glass, Superintendent of Schools, Lynchburg. 

R. C. Stearns, Secretary. 



62 

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE AND IMMIGRATION. 

President of the Board of Agriculture and Immigration, C. W. Heater, Middle- 
town, Va. 

Commissioner of Agriculture and Immigration and Treasurer of Board, Geo. W 
Koiner, Richmond, Va. 

Secretary of Board of Agriculture and Immigration, E. B. Chesterman, Rich- 
mond, Va. 

Chief Chemist of the Agricultural Department, E. W. Magruder, Richmond, Va. 

MEMBERS OP THE BOAED. 

Term four years, even districts commencing March 1, 1903, and odd districts com- 
mencing March 1, 1905. 

First Disttict — J. H. C. Beverley, Chance Four years 

Second District — A. O. Mauck, Yorktown Four years 

Third District — A. R. Scott, Richmond City Four years 

Fourth District — J. Thomas Goode, Skipwith Four years 

Fifth District — J. M. Barker, Axton Four years 

Sixth District — J. T. Cowan, Cowan's Mill Four years 

Seventh District — C. W. Heater, President, Middletown Four years 

Eighth District — William H. Eggborn, Eggbornville Four years 

Ninth District — James R. Goodwin, Eggleston Four years 

Tenth District — W. B. F. Leech, Oakdale Four years 

Dr. J. M. McBryde, President of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, ex officio. 

Hereafter all regular appointments to be made for the term of four years. 

BOARD OF FISHERIES OF VIRGINIA. 

W. McDonald Lee, Chairman Lancaster, Va. 

S. Wilkins Mathews, Secretary Assawoman, Va. 

Bland Massie Tyro, Va. 

R. A. James Danville, Va. 

Geo. B. Keezell Keezelltown, Va. 

All appointed for the term of four years, commencing April 1st, 1906. 



Judiciary System. 



SUPEEME COURT OF APPEALS. 

James Keith, President Fauquier County. 

Richard H. Cardwell Hanover County. 

John A. Buchanan Washington County. 

George M. Harrison Augusta County. 

Stafford G. Whittle Henry County. 

Reporter — Martin P. Burks. Secretary — M. B. Watts. 

Annual examinations of candidates for admission to the bar of Virginia are 
held at Richmond on the first Friday of the January term, and at Wytheville 
on the twenty-fourth day of June. 

CIRCUIT COURTS. 
Terms of Judges commencing February 1, 1904. 

First Circuit — Wm. N. Portlock, Judge, Norfolk Term — Two years. 

Second Circuit — R. R. Prentis, Judge, Suffolk Term — Eight years. 

Third Circuit — J. F. West, Judge, Waverly Term — Six years. 

Fourth Circuit — Walter A. Watson, Judge, Jennings Ordinary 

Term — Four years. 

Fifth Circuit — Geo. J. Hundley, Judge, Farmville Term — Two years. 

Sixth Circuit — Wm. R. Barksdale, Judge, Houston Term — Eight years. 

Seventh Circuit — E. W. Saunders, Judge, Rocky Mount. . . Term — Six years. 
Eighth Circuit — John M. White, Judge, Charlottbville....Term— Four years. 

Ninth Circuit — D. A. Grimsley, Judge, Culpeper Term — Two years. 

Tenth Circuit — R. Carter Scott, Judge, Richmond Term — Eight years. 

Eleventh Circuit — Jno. W. G. Blackstone, Judge, Accomac, Term — Six years. 
Twelfth Circuit — T. R. B. Wright, Judge, Tappahannock,Term — Four years. 
Thirteenth Circuit — G. Taylor Garnett, Judge, Mathews, Term — Two years. 
Fourteenth Circuit — D. Gardiner Tyler, Judge, Sturgeon Pt. 

Term — Eight years. 

Fifteenth Circuit — Jno. E. Mason, Judge, Comorn Term — Six years. 

Sixteenth Circuit — Chas. E. Nicol, Judge, Manassas Term — Four years. 

Seventeenth Circuit — Thos. W. Harrison, Judge, Winchester 

Term — Two years. 

Eighteenth Circuit — S. H. Letcher, Judge, Lexington... Term — Eight years. 
Nineteenth Circuit — Geo. K. Anderson, Judge, Clifton Forge 

Term — Six years. 

Twentieth Circuit — Cephas B. Moomaw, Judge, Roanoke Term — Four years. 
Twenty-first CiRCuiT — Robt. C. Jackson, Judge, Wytheville Term — Two years. 
Twenty-second Circuit — W. J. Henson, Judge, Pearisburg 
Term — Eight years. 

*Claggett B. JoDes, Bruington. Term, six years, elected by Legislature 1906. 
%W. W. MoffVitt, Salem. Elected by Legislature 1906 to fill unexpired term. 



64 



Twenty-third Circuit — Frank B. Hutton, Judge, Abingdon Term — Six years. 
Twenty-fourth Circuit — H. A. W. Skeen, Judge, Big Stone Gap 

Term — Four years. 

Note.— On the expiration of the present terms of the above named Judges their 
successors will be elected for the full term of eight years. 

Twenty -fifth Circuit — T. W. Haas, Judge Harrisonburg 

Twenty-sixth Circuit — E. S. Turner, Judge Warrenton 

Twenty -seventh Circuit — Wm. E. Burns, Judge Lebanon 

Twenty -eighth Circuit — R. E. Boykin, Judge Smithfield 

Twenty-ninth Circuit — B. T. Gordon, Judge Lovingston 

Note — -The regular terms of the last five Judgeships named will commence 
February 1st, 1907, and will be for eight years. 



CORPORATION COURTS. 

Alexandria Louis C. Barley, Judge. .. .Term expires February 1 

Bristol .John W. Price, Judge Term expires February 1 

Buena Vista Henry W. Holt, Judge Term expires February 1 

Charlottesville. . .Geo. W. Morris, Judge Term expires February 1 

Danville A. M. Aiken, Judge Term expires Februery 1 

Fredericksburg.... Alvin T. Embrey, Judge Term expires February 1 

Lynchburg Frank P. Christian, Judge. ..Term expires February 1 

Manchester Wm. I. Clopton, Judge Term expires February 1 

Newport News T. J. Barham, Judge Term expires February 1 

Norfolk ...A. R. Hanckel, Judge Term expires February 1 

Petersburg J. M. Mullen, Judge Term expires February 1 

Portsmouth James F. Crocker, Judge Term expires February 1 

Radford George E. Cassell, Judge. ...Term expires February 1 

Richmond S. B. Witt, Judge Term expires February 1 

Roanoke Jno. W. Woods, Judge Term expires February 1 

Staunton Henry W. Holt, Judge. . . .Term expires February 1 

Winchester Wm. M. Atkinson, Judge. ..Term expires February 1 



1907. 
1912. 
1912. 
1907. 
1907. 
1907. 
1907. 
1907. 
1907. 
1907. 
1907. 
1907. 
1912. 
1907. 
1907. 
1907. 
1907. 



CITY COURTS OTHER THAN CORPORATION COURTS. 
Terms expiring February 1, 1907. 

Law and Chancery Court of Norfolk City Wm. Bruce Martin, Judge. 

Chancery Court of Richmond City Daniel Grinnan, Judge. 

Law and Equity Court of Richmond City John H. Ingram, Judge. 



The Counties of Virginia. 



ACCOMAC COUNTY, 

Aecomac county is situated in what is known as the "Eastern Shore" 
section of Virginia, eighty miles east of Richmond. It is about forty 
miles long, with an average width of ten miles, and has an area of 478 
square miles. 

Population, census of 1900, 32.570, an increase of 5,293 since census of 
1890. Males twenty-one years and over, 7,945. 

This county is among the best of the Virginia counties in almost every- 
thing that goes to make up a great and thriving rural community. 

Its natural advantages are equalled by few and surpassed by none. It 
has a delightful climate, neither extreme of heat or cold, the thermometer 
rarely ever reaching ninety-four degrees, in summer, or falling as low as 
ten above zero in winter. Delightful sea breezes sweep over the land 
almost every day in summer. With the Atlantic ocean on one side and 
the Chesapeake bay on the other, the air is cooled in summer and warmed, 
in winter by these bodies of water. 

Heavy snows are rare, as are severe freezes. Navigation is open almost 
every day in winter, and railroad trains are never blocked by snow. 

The surface of the county is smooth, even, and almost level, drained by 
Pocomoke river. Soil light loam, red clay subsoil, easily tilled, warm 
and productive. 

Farm products are sweet and Irish potatoes, corn, wheat, oats, vegetables, 
etc. There is no county in the United States that produces as many sweet 
potatoes, nor as fine as Aecomac, it yielding fully five per cent, of the whole 
of that crop made in this country. The money value is enormous. 

Trucking is the leading farm industry. Besides the millions of bushels 
of potatoes sold annually, are abundant crops of onions, garden peas, snaps, 
cabbage, kale, etc. 

The growth of large and small fruits in constantly increasing acreage 
bids fair to make this an important and profitable industry. Apples, 
peaches, blackberries and strawberries are the principal fruits cultivated, 
but all fruits common to the temperate zone thrive well. 

The fish and oyster industry is probably more valuable and extensive 
than in any other county of the State. Oysters of unequalled flavor, and 
fish in great variety and finest kinds abound; also clams, mandanose 
and crabs are not only a source of great revenue, but an important article 
of food to the inhabitants. The oyster industry is one of the chief pursuits 
of many of the inhabitants. Thousands of people make their money and 
their living out of the waters that surround the peninsula. The planting 
of oysters has developed into the most profitable branch of this industry. 
Thousands of acres of planting bottoms are now seeded -with millions of 
bushels of oysters, and yet this branch of the business is just inj its 
infancy; opportunities for profitable investment in this business are on 
every hand. Good planting grounds are being rapidly taken up, but there 
are still thousands of acres of good land left. Recent laws have made 
investments in this husiness safe and secure, and local investors are eagerly 
taking advantage of the opportunity. The oyster business the past year 
in this section has increased greatly and promises large development. 
5 



66 

This county has been termed the "Hunter's Paradise." Game is plenti- 
ful, both in winter and summer, on land and on water. The fields abound 
with partridges, the woods and meadows with snipe, Avoodcock, rabbits, 
squirrels, raccoons, foxes and opossums. The rivers, creeks and bays with 
wild geese, brant ducks, curlew, plover and the sage hen. 

Stock and grazing facilities are very good. Trotting horses are raised 
with great success, also farm horses, dairy stock and sheep. Pasturage 
is good and abundant on the ocean and bay sides of the county. This 
county was formerly noted for its wild ponies, that were native to this 
section, and not only a source of great interest, but of profit to thei in- 
habitants. 

About sixty-five per cent, of land is in cultivation, balance in timber, 
consisting of oak, pine, chestnut, beech, gum and holly, of which the oak 
and pine is most abundant and valuable, but is being cut rapidly. 

Manufactories consist of lumber mills, barrel factories, flour and corn 
mills, carriage, cart and wagon factories. 

Railroad transportation is excellent, no farm being more than six 
miles from a railroad. The New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk, and Norfolk 
and Western railroads greatly facilitate intercourse and business com- 
munication between this and other sections, and the Chesapeake and At- 
lantic railroad gives daily communication with Baltimore, thus making 
this one of the most favored portions of the State in this respect. 

Water transportation cannot be surpassed, steamers and sail vessels on 
all sides. County is indented on east and west by numerous sounds, 
inlets and smaller water courses, navigable nearly their entire length, and 
furnishing means of transportation to the markets of the large cities of 
the north and east, being within eight hours of Philadelphia and Balti- 
more and ten hours of New York. 

Educational advantages are very good — two good academies, several pub- 
lic high schools, and one hundred and fifty primary schools. 

Telephone service good throughout the county, every hamlet connected. 

Churches and mail facilities very desirable, many of the leading denomi- 
nations represented and churches numerous and convenient. Mail facilities 
excellent. 

Water in upland very good; in lowlands indifferent. Unless artesian 
wells are resorted to, good flows can be had at seventy-five or one hun- 
dred feet in depth. 

Health unsurpassed in eastern United States. 

Lands range in price from $10 to $30 per acre. Good lands near rail- 
road or river sell for about $30 per acre, other lands as low as $10 per 
acre. Average value may be safely placed at $15 per acre. 

Financial condition of the county is excellent; but little bonded debt, 
and taxation very moderate. 

Progress and general advancement of the county has been marked. 
No county in the State, except those immediately around large cities, has 
made such extensive and rapid progress as this one in the last twenty 
years. The past year especially has been one of great prosperity. 
Prices for all kinds of trucking have been good. This fact, together 
with the improved distribution of products through the Produce Exchange, 
an organization managed by the farmers, finds the people generally in a 
better condition than they have been for years, the products of land and 
sea for the county the past year being safely estimated at two million 
dollars. 

Several new lumber mills have been put in operation, a great deal of 
building has been done, and the number of new dwellings is much in ex- 
cess of any recent year. On the sea and bay side, a number of oyster 
shucking houses, employing hundreds of hands, have been built, and are 



67 

in successful operation ; this way of handling oysters having been found 
to be more profitable than shipment in the shell. In the town of Onancock, 
new gas works have been established and a block of five large and com- 
modious stores on the east side of North street erected, all of which are 
occupied, making that one of the busy centers of the county. 

Accomac. a pretty village, with an historical court house, is the county 
seat. Its records are very old and interesting. 

ALBEMARLE COUNTY. 

This is one of the big counties of Virginia and one of the oldest. It was 
carved out of Goochland in 1744, and then embraced the large territory, 
now included in Albemarle, Amherst, Fluvanna, Nelson and portions of 
Appomattox, all these having been formed from it since. It is even now 
fifth in area of the 100 Virginia counties, and contains 755 square miles, 
nearly a half million acres, and a population of 28,473, exclusive of the 
city of Charlottesville. Its altitude is 485 feet. 

Albemarle has a most favorable location as to climate and soil, being 
geographically near the center of the State, with its western portion in the 
Blue Ridge region, and its eastern in the Piedmont, reaching into Midland 
Virginia. Its extensive area, being at its greatest length about forty miles, 
and greatest width nearly thirty, gives scope for a diversity of soil and 
some difference in temperature, in the eastern section, the soil is a dark, 
rich red clay, famous for wheat, which has for generations been char- 
acterized as the red wheat lands of Albemarle. Other paying products of 
the soil are corn, grass, oats, tobacco, all of which yield abundantly under 
the fine tillage, which generally prevails in this county; then apples, 
peaches, pears and grapes are remarkably fine. In fact, the foothills and 
slopes of tne Blue Bidge, where the soil is lighter and grayish, are the 
natural home of the apple, which reaches its greatest perfection here. 
The Albemarle pippin, of rare flavor and excellent keeping qualities, 
which finds a most remunerative market abroad, is grown in abundance. 
(It is treated specifically under the head of "Fruits," in the "Introduc- 
tion" to this work). Some of the most profitable peach orchards in 
Virginia are to be found in this county, and in some places almost cover 
the eastern slopes of the Blue Bidge from base to summit; the warm ex- 
posure favoring a size and flavor that makes the Albemarle peach popular 
in every market it reaches, Staunton, Charlottesville, Lynchburg and 
Washington, competing vigorously for the trade, which becomes active 
early in the season. 

Nowhere in Virginia does grape culture and Avine production receive 
more attention than in this favored region, where the grape grows to a 
high degree of perfection and large fruitful vineyards are seen on every 
hand, furnishing through a long season, large shipments to convenient 
city markets, to say nothing of the local demand by town, village and 
rail car fruit vendors. 

The Monticello Wine Company, located at Charlottesville, makes as 
good claret as is found anywhere, also excellent champagne. Many farm- 
ers have their private cellars and make their own wine, and it seems, 
around Charlottesville, to be in almost as general use as in a province of 
France, while the trade to other home markets reaches an importance that 
surprises the stranger, and competes successfully in the foreign market. 
As much as 68,000 gallons of wine has been made in one season by the 
Monticello Wine Company. 

In as good a grass section as this county is, it is natural that much atten- 
tion should be paid to stock raising. Many fine cattle find their way 
to market from the grass fields of Albemarle. As to horses, the finest 
blooded animals are raised, and bring the best prices. This feature 
of the county's resources has of recent years received a new impulse from 



69 



the successful and popular Horse Show organization, which brings to- 
gether annually a great many good horses, and some very superior 
racers and hunters from this and adjoining counties. 

There are good facilities also for dairying, which is becoming more 
profitable every year, and sheep raising is a profitable industry, the long 
woolen breeds doing especially well on the luxuriant grasses of the Pied- 
mont lands, and the finer wool breeds on the more mountainous, in the 
northern part of the county. Every farmer raises his own pork, cures his 
own bacon, and a great deal finds its way to market. 

Few sections have better railroad opportunities, or better avail them- 
selves of them. The Chesapeake and Ohio from west to east, straight 
through the county, the Southern from north to south, intersecting the 
former at Charlottesville, and the James river division of the Chesapeake 
and Ohio running along the southern border, afford, by their competing 
lines, cheapest access for freight and passenger traffic to every available 
market. 

All these superior inducements for immigration and investment have 
been appreciated, as is notably seen, by the settling of a great many men 
of means and enterprise from other states and countries. Fine estates 
have changed hands all over the county, elegant homes have been built, 
spacious ancestral halls have been handsomely remodelled, farms have 
been brought into a high degree of cultivation, lands in some sections 
increased in value 100 per cent, and more; a great deal of money has been 
profitably invested, public revenues largely increased, and the whole 
county has advanced wonderfully along the lines of progress and pros- 
perity. 

Among the developments, those of the mineral resources of Albemarle 
have not lagged. There are deposits of soapstone, iron, graphite, slate, etc. 
Large soapstone works have been erected at Alberene, reached by a 
short branch of the Southern railroad, and the output in bath tubs, house 
and kitchen utensils, etc., has developed an extensive industry very 
useful to the county. 

The Albemarle Slate Company works profitably a deposit of slatie 
from which the best pencils known to the trade, on account of absolute 
freedom from grit, are claimed to be made. 

The Baltimore Graphite Company, located on the Southern, near Bar- 
boursville, manufactures that mineral extensively, which is widely used in 
lubricating material. 

The Charlottesville Woolen Mills, on the Bivanna river, have long 
ago established an enviable reputation for the manufacture of fine cloths. 
They furnish the goods for the U. S. Naval Academy, the Philadelphia 
police uniforms, etc., and the superiority of their manufacture has 
brought about a constant demand, which results in an ever increasing out- 
put. 

The church privileges are all that can be desired, and besides the 130 
public schools, the Miller School — one of the greatest manual labor in- 
stitutions in the country with ample endowment — Pantops Academy, and 
the historical University of Virginia, furnish rare educational advantages. 

Of this famous school, more special mention will be made in referring 
elsewhere among the cities of the Commonwealth to Charlottesville, 
the county seat, and its interesting surroundings. 



ALEXANDRIA COUNTY. 

This county embraces one of the earliest settled portions of the State. 
As early as 1669 a colonial patent was laid on most of the land now in- 
cluded in the county, and settlements made a few years after. It 
was originally a part of Fairfax county, during which time it was ceded 



70 

to the General Government, and later (in 1846) was receded to Virginia, 
made a separate county, and named after its principal city, Alexandria. 
This county has ever been intimately associated with the name of General 
Washington, the seat of much of his early life and operations, and its 
location has rendered it prominent in many of the thrilling scenes of that 
day, and later. It is ten miles long and five miles wide, located in the 
northeast part of the State, ninety miles north of Richmond. 

The very good home market at Alexandria City, and its proximity to 
Washington City and Georgetown, render it a very desirable location for 
home seekers. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 6,430; of City of Alexandria. 
14,528 — total 20,958, being an increase since census of 1890 of 2,361, for 
county and city. Total males twenty-one years of age and over, county 
and city, 6,036. 

The area of the county is the smallest in the State, having 32 square 
miles — 20,480 acres. Average size farms, sixty-five acres. Price of lands 
$50.00 to $500.00 per acre. 

The advantages are very superior, owi g to railroad and water transpor- 
tation, and the near by cities of Washington, Georgetown, and Baltimore. 

Climate very pleasant: in summer, temperate; in winter, changeable, 
but not severe. 

Soil fertile, especially the bottoms along the streams, and well adapt- 
ed to grain and garden truck. 

It is watered and drained by the Potomac and its tributaries, of which 
Hunting creek, the southern boundary of Alexandria city, is worthy of 
special mention, as a beautiful body of water fifteen or twenty feet in 
depth, and a safe harbor for vessels. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye, and potatoes, the latter, both 
sweet and Irish, being a very important and profitable crop to the farmer. 

Fruits and vegetables of all varieties do well, and are raised in great 
abundance. There is no section of the State more highly favored as to a 
market for trucking, dairy and poultry products, and these constitute 
an important and profitable industry to the county. 

The waters abound in water fowl, and fish of choice variety, such as 
bass, rock, shad and herring. 

Timber abounds to a considerable extent, such as white and red oak, 
chestnut and chestnut oak, poplar, maple, cedar, pine and locust. 

Water power consists of Great and Little Falls of Potomac. 

Manufactories are brick, shoes, overalls, boxes, glass and wood work, 
barytes mills, knitting mills and machine shops, Canning works and 
fertilizer factories are remunerative industries 

Minerals and mineral waters are, of the former, brownstone, soapstone 
and clay for brickmaking; of the latter, sulphur and iron. 

Water, steam and electric transportation places this county in quick, 
convenient and extensive communication with all sections of the country. 
With the Potomac river as an important water highway, and the railroads 
represented by the Baltimore and Ohio, Southern, Chesapeake and Ohio, 
Pennsylvania, Seaboard and Atlantic Coast Line, besides electric lines 
connecting with Mt. Vernon, no section of Virginia has better trans- 
portation facilities. 

Telephone service is good, represented by the Southern, Bell and Home. 

Educational advantages consist of quite a number of excelle it public 
and private schools, besides the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary. 

Churches, mail facilities, water, health and financial conditions re- 
ported first-class. County and State taxes, $1.50 on $100. 

Arlington, famous as having been the home of the Custis and Lee fi mi- 
lies, is in this county, a few miles above Alexandria. It was purchased 
by the National Government, and a portion of it appropriated to a National 
cemetery. 



71 



ALLEGHANY COUNTY, 

Alleghany county was formed in 1S22 from Bath, Botetourt and Monroe. 
It is situated in the western part of the State, one hundred and twenty- 
four miles west of Richmond, is twenty-six miles long, with a mean 
breadth of twenty miles — area 452 square miles. Altitude 1,295 feet. 

Population of the county, census of 1900, is 16,330, an increase since 
census of 1890 of 7,047. Total males twenty-one years and over, 5,023. 

Climate very healthful and invigorating, and in summer delightful. 

Soil light clay loam, very productive, especially on water courses. 
Watered and drained by the Jackson and Cow Pasture rivers, and othei 
small streams, notably Potts and Dunlap creeks, which also furnish 
very superior water power. The mountains contain immense quantities of 
valuable timber, such as oak, hickory, poplar, pine, ash and chestnut, larg« 
quantities of which are sawed and exported. 

The iron ore deposits of this county are very extensive and valuable, and 
are attracting the attention of capitalists, who have invested largely in 
ore lands and the erection of furnaces ; also granite and cement limestom 
have been developed, and hydraulic cement manufactured. 

Game of all kinds is abundant, offering an inviting field for sportsmen. 

Farm products are corn, oats, wheat, fruit, and dairying. Stock raish\ 
is also a very valuable and important industry. This county is well sup- 
plied with churches, schools, newspapers and railroads, the Chesapeake 
and Ohio railroad traversing the county, connecting with the Warm 
Springs branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio at Covington in this county. 

No county in the State perhaps can boast of more thrifty growing towns 
in the last decade, notably. Covington. Clifton Forge, and Low Moor. 

Low Moor on the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad is a place of considerable 
importance. The Low Moor Iron Furnace is located here, producing large 
quantities of iron of superior quality, and giving employment to a larg. 1 
number of people. 

Clifton Forge is the most populous town of the county, as shown by 
census of 1900. and it has shown a marked increase in population since 
1890. at which time the population was 1.790. while by the last census, 
1900, it showed a population of 3,212, nearly doubling in the ten years. 
A large increase in population since last census appears also in the case of 
Covington, the county seat, which by census of 1890 Avas 704, by census of 
1900 it is 2,950, more than quadrupling its population in ten years, a re- 
markable growth that speaks well for the town and county. 

Among the more important industries of this town are the one million 
dollar plant of the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, the Covington 
machine shops, and McAllister and Bell's flouring mills. There are also 
excellent systems of water works and of lighting by electricity, and an 
ice manufacturing plant, the large and valuable De Ford Company's tan- 
nery, and the Covington iron furnace of the Low Moor Company. The 
Moffett Brick Plant does a large business and has been instrumental in the 
erection of many substantial and handsome brick residences and business 
houses of the town and county. 

Clifton Forge, as has been before stated, is the largest town in the 
county, and some of its citizens aspire to make it, at an early date, an 
incorporated city, in connection with its handsome suburb, West Clifton, 
as the population of the tAvo toAA'ns has reached the necessary 5,000. 

The Chesapeake and Ohio shops, Avorking a large force, are located here ; 
also tAvo banks, tAvo neAvspapers, one a daily, several good churches, a 
handsome and AA T ell-equipped railroad, Y. M. C. A., a new building for the 
Chesapeake and Ohio railroad offices, and superior hotel accommodations. 
During the last feAv years an unusual number of large and expensive busi- 
ness blocks and private residences have been built, also a Masonic temple 




V 



'.•.; 







73 

all of which are equipped with steam heat, electric lights and water facili- 
ties, with which the ambitious town is well supplied. There were no 
failures in the town during the last year, indicating a healthy financial 
condition. 

Among the other smaller towns of the county are Iron Gate, and Long- 
dale, where there is a fine furnace (having been in blast thirty-five years, 
nor missed a pay day), and much activity in business; also there are, 
besides the mines at the above-named furnaces, actively worked ones at 
Stacks, Rich Patch, and other points. Alleghany has inaugurated a sys- 
tem of road building, by means of which the public roads of the county 
have been much improved, and, in the more thickly settled sections of the 
county especially, there are some excellent public thoroughfares, which 
add greatly to the convenience and prosperity of this progressive people. 



AMELIA COUNTY. 

This county, formed from Prince George in 1734, located in southeast 
central portion of the State on south bank of the Appomattox river, twenty- 
seven miles southwest of Richmond, is thirty miles long and about ten 
miles in width; area, 355 square miles. Its altitude is 361 feet. 

Surface is undulating, lands productive. Soil, chocolate, red clay, and 
grey loam, with clay subsoil; the latter readily improved, and especially 
adapted to wheat, corn, oats and tobacco, which are the principal farm 
products — especially tobacco, of which about 2,000,000 pounds of fine 
quality is produced annually. Potatoes, other vegetables, fruits, and dairy 
products are also important and profitable industries. 

The climate is temperate: winters short and mild; summers pleas 
ant without extremes of heat, This county is well watered with freestone 
springs, and wells are to be had at an average depth of thirty feet, be- 
sides numerous springs of valuable mineral properties. Climate is 
healthful; churches and public schools numerous and convenient. It is 
drained and watered by Appomattox river and its tributaries. The Ap- 
pomattox, in the northern portion of the county, is open for navigation 
to Petersburg. 

The Southern railroad passes through the center of the county, and the 
Norfolk & Western near the southeastern border. 

Timber is abundant, consisting chiefly of oak, pine, hickory, and wal- 
nut. The lumber trade is of considerable importance; also bark and su- 
mac are profitable industries. Large and valuable mineral deposits of 
iron, kaolin, soapstone, asbestos, plumbago, and mica are found in this 
county, especially the latter, of which there is said to be a vast amount 
and of fine quality- — perfectly clear when split down to required thick- 
ness for merchantable use, 14 x 19 inches in size. Several valuable mica 
mines situated near Amelia Courthouse have been successfully worked, 
producing several hundred thousand pounds of fine sheet mica, besides 
several thousand tons of scrap and nearly an equal amount of felspar, so 
extensively used in the manufacture of china goods, glazing porcelain 
and common earthenware. There exist, in large amount, a combination of 
soapstone, asbestos, and mica, valuable for stove backs, hearths, etc. ; also an 
abundance of black mica, and in some sections beautiful amethyst of a pink 
and purple hue, some very deep in color. Outcroppings of granite, and fine 
indications of zinc are to be found, and valuable clays exist in large quan- 
tity. It is the opinion of a competent mining-engineer, who has visited this 
section, that if a thorough inspection was made of these various interests, 
and sufficient capital invested to properly develop them, they 
would prove of great value to the company working them and to the 
county as well. 



75 

Population of the county, census of 1900, is 9,037. Number of males 
twenty-one years and over is 2,009. 

Amelia Courthouse, the county seat, is situated near the center of 
the county, thirty-six miles from Richmond on the Southern railroad, and 
has a population of about 300, one newspaper, one public school, several 
churches, seven stores, and a steam flouring mill, Jetersville. another 
village on the Southern railway, forty-three miles from Richmond, has 
four stores and otber branches of business, and is a thriving place. These 
are the largest villages in the county. 



AMHERST COUNTY. 

Amherst county, a daughter of Albemarle, was made a separate county in 
1761. James river skirts its whole southeast and southwest boundary for 50 
miles, furnishing with Pedlar and Buffalo rivers, an extent of broad and 
fertile bottom lands, of which few counties in the State can boast. The 
altitude is 629 feet. The county has a length of twenty-two miles, and a 
mean width of nineteen, while its area is 4U4 square miles, and its popu- 
lation, by the census of 1900, 17.864, being a gain since the previous census 
of 313, of which the whites number 9,923, and the colored 7,628. The pro- 
portion of colored inhabitants has decreased considerably in the last few 
years, and the white farmers are depending largely more on their own labor. 
which is more reliable and efficient. 

The crops raised are principally tobacco, corn, and wheat; while the 
soil and climate are well adapted to oats and grass, but tobacco may be 
regarded as the principal money crop, and is of fine weight and texture, 
the farmers realizing at this time good prices, higher than of late years. The 
red lands along the valleys of the Blue Ridge and Tobacco Row moun- 
tains are very fine, easily cultivated and retentive of farm manures, pro- 
ducing finely clover, timothy, and orchard grass, following tobacco and 
wheat. 

While Amherst is among the leading apr'cultural counties in the 
State, it is rapidly advancing to the front as a fruit section, yielding 
that popular variety, the winesap, abundantly, and the celebrated Al- 
bemarle pippin succeeds admirably. The eastern slopes of the moun- 
tains are favorable to the culture of grapes, the vine flourishing and 
yielding kindly to proper culture. 

Timber is oak, hickory, pine, walnut, chestnut, and locust, principally, 
much of the best of it being converted profitably into lumber, for there 
are some good sawmills which are by no means idle, and transportation 
facilities by means of the Southern, the Chesapeake and Ohio, and the 
Norfolk and Western railroads are eisy and quick to Lynchbura", Richmond, 
Danville, Washington and convenient eastern and southern cities. Lynch- 
burg, one of the principal manufacturing cities in the State, presents a 
fine market right at the door, as the county and city are connected by a 
good free bridge over James river. 

The county contains immense and valuable outputs of minerals, such 
as magnetic and specular iron, well suited for the manufacture of steel by 
the Bessemer process. Brown hematite iron ores are also in great abundance 
and so situated as to be cheaply mined. These ores are found near by or in 
contact with limestone, and there are not a few of these iron mines now 
being profitably worked. 

Besides the minerals named, there are copper, which has been mined, 
slate, plumbago, pyrite, ochre, and steatite, found in the county. The 
Blue Ridge, on the northwest, protects the county from the cold northers, 
and guarantees for man and beast moderate winters, while the absence of 
severe heat in summer insures a pleasant average climate all the year 
round. 



77 

There is considerable grazing of cattle on the indigenous grass of the 
mountains by stockmen who buy elsewhere and bring them to this sec- 
tion, where they can be cheaply kept. This is quite a business in Am- 
herst. 

The manly sport of fox hunting is indulged in greatly to the delight 
of the young people of Amherst, and there are some as fine mounts as can 
be found, while game in many parts of the county, such as deer, bear, 
wild cats, squirrels, hares, wild turkeys, partridges and pheasants abound, 
Church and school privileges are not neglected. In fact, one of the 
finest equipped Female Seminaries in the South, known as Sweet Briar in- 
stitute, which has been building for three years, is located on a grand old 
estate two m*3es from .iSnihtist Courthouse and twelve from Lynchburg, 
on the Southern railroad. It is. the result of an endowment of $800,000 in 
money and land, and is to be opened in the fall of this year (1906) with 
brilliant prospects of success. 

Amherst, the county seat, is a pleasant little town on the Southern 
railway, fourteen miles from Lynchburg. It has two weekly newspapers, 
a bank, six stores, and some very desirable family residences. 



APPOMATTOX COUNTY. 

This historic county of Appomattox was formed, in 1845, from the 
neighboring counties of Buckingham, Campbell, Prince Edward, and Char- 
lotte. It is about 65 miles air line, 100 miles by rail, west from 
Richmond; 26 miles long and 18 miles wide, with an area of 342 square 
miles, and a population, by the last U. S. census, of 9,662. The county 
is well watered by the James river, forming its northwestern boundary, 
and its tributaries; by the Appomattox and its tributaries, and by 
some of the tributaries of Staunton river. Its average altitude is 825 feet. 

The surface of the county is generally rolling, and even hilly in many 
portions, though there is a large proportion of bottom land along the 
rivers and creeks, which water the county well, and furnish amph- 
water power that is utilized to a considerable extent by several good 
grist and saw mills, though there is much of the finest power unde 
veloped as yet. 

The soil is varied, consisting largely of a stiff red clay, easily improved, 
responding well to the use of fertilizers and prudent cultivation, similar 
in character to the famous red wheat lands of Albemarle, and producing 
that grain well, when properly treated. There is also much gray, light 
and friable slate soil, and the bottoms are rich and productive. Lands 
can be bought here now much more reasonably than in some other sec- 
tions of the State, where they are naturally no better or even as good. 
There are no large towns, eight-tenths of the population living in tha 
country, so that Appomattox is strictly an agricultural county. 

Gradually, ever since the war, the negroes, which were in hte proportion 
of about 7,000 colored to 5,000 white, in 1870, have drifted away, till in 
1900 the census showed 3,931 negroes and 5,731 whites. Accompanying 
this exodus of the negro there has been a corresponding increase in the 
assessed value of property and the price of lands, and during the last 
five years, from 1900 to 1905, the assessed value of real estate and per- 
sonalty has increased $173,000. Land which sold in 1900 at $6.00 per 
acre is now held with offers at $12.00 refused. 

The Bank of Appomattox, at the county seat, which showed a deposit 
in 1901 of $16,800, reported August, 1905, $70,205. There is also a pros- 
perous bank at Pamplin. and a large new tobacco warehouse. 

Steady farm labor is badly needed, and trained white immigrants from 
agricultural sections abroad, both male and female, will find ready 



79 

employment among the land-owners in any section of the county. To- 
bacco is the principal crop, and grass and hay are very profitable. Oak, 
hickory, walnut, chestnut and maple timber is abundant and being profit- 
ably worked up. 

The educational and religious facilities are ample, being furnished by 
a number of good schools and prosperous churches. 

The principal towns are Pamplin and West Appomattox, each having a 
population of from 500 to 600. Pamplin is widely known on account of 
its manufacture of clay pipes, many styles of which are. made at the large 
factory here, said to be the largest clay pipe factory in the world, from 
which pipes are shipped by the car load all over the country. 

West Appomattox, the county seat, bordering on the Norfolk and West- 
ern railroad about twenty-five miles from Lynchburg and thirty-five from 
Farmville, is a prosperous new town, with line new courthouse, jail and 
offices, two live newspapers, bank, three good hotels, ten stores and hand- 
some residences. 

Three miles northeast is Old Appomattox Courthouse, known locally as 
"The Surrender Ground" where General R. E. Lee surrendered April 9, 
1865, the depleted remnant of the Confederate Army to the overwhelming 
Federal forces under General Grant, thus making this one of the most 
famous spots in the country, ranking with Yorktown, where C'ornwallis 
surrendered to Washington, 19th October, 1781. 

The Federal aiithorities have added greatly to the attractiveness of the 
Surrender Ground, which embraces several hundred acnes, ,.by placing 
enduring metal tablets at various notable points, such as Lee's head- 
i]i alters, Grant's headquarters, the traditional apple tree, the place 
where the old McLean house, in which the surrender took 
place, stood, now a ruin as well as most of the houses in the old village. 
The Confederates havfi also placed on the arourds two handsome monu- 
ments, one by Virginians, the other by North Carolinians, and an ef- 
fort is being made to have Congress establish a National Park here, which 
^ill perhaps ultimately be accomplished. 



AUGUSTA COUNTY. 

Augusta was formed from Orange in 1738. and ranks among the first 
of the counties in the great Shenandoah valley and of the State in im- 
portance and first in area. It is situated near the head of the Shenandoah 
valley in the northwestern part of the State, 120 miles northwest of Rich- 
mond, and is the largest county in the State, being thirty-five miles long 
and thirty miles wide, containing an area of 1,012 square miles. Average 
size farms, 175 acres. The aggregate value of its real estate exceeds any 
other county in the State. Altitude 1,380 feet at Staunton. 

The eastern and western sections of the county are uneven and moun- 
tainous, central portion undulating. The lands are varied in character, 
very fertile and productive; yielding large crops of corn, oats, wheat, rye 
and the grasses — natural and cultivated. This county ranks at the head 
of the list of counties of the State in the production of wheat, hay and 
oats, yielding over one-half million bushels of wheat, and 25,000 tons of hay. 
It is also noted for the number and superior quality of its flouring mills, 
one of which has a capacity of 500 barrels per day. 

Stock raising is also one of its most profitable and important industries, 
its mountain ranges affording excellent pasturage, and its abundant hay 
crop available for winter feed. 

Under such favorable conditions, this county has become noted for its 
fine horses, cattle, and sheep, and its abundance of dairy products. 



SI 



Water supply is from springs and wells of excellent qual.ty, also numer- 
ous mineral springs, noted for their valuable medicinal qualities, that at- 
tract a large number of visitors from this and other States. The chief 
water courses of the county are the North, South, and Middle rivers, 
which, uniting, form the Shenandoah river. These streams afford fine 
water power, upon which are located numerous flouring mills, saw mills 
and wood works. 

Timber abounds in large quantities, from which a fine revenue is de- 
rived. Principal varieties: Oak, hickory, walnut, ash, poplar, pine, chest- 
nut, locust, etc. Minerals are numerous, consisting of iron, manganese, 
coal, kaolin, slate, marble, and limestone, much of which has been de- 
veloped. The Crimora Manganese Mines Co. have sold over $1,000,000 of 
their output and are working to advantage. Some of the most noted 
natural curiosities of the State are to be found in this county, such as 
Weyers Cave of Fountains, the Cyclopean Towers or Natural Chimneys; 
and Elliott Knob of the North mountains, 4,437 feet high, ranks among the 
highest points in Virginia. Churches and schools are of unusual number 
and convenience. No section in the State is more highly favored in this 
respect. The population of the county, including Staunton, was, by the 
census of 1900, 39,785. Increase since census of 1890, 4,635. Number of 
males twenty-one years and over, 10,044. 

The county is well supplied with railroads, embracing the Chesapeake 
and Ohio, the Chesapeake and Western, the Norfolk and Western and the 
Baltimore and Ohio; the first two traversing the county from east to west, 
and the others from north to south, intersecting the Chesapeake and Ohio 
at Staunton, and at Basic City, twelve miles apart. The Valley pike, a 
well-kept macadam road between Staunton and Winchester, ninety miles, 
is equal to any road in Virginia. Staunton, the county seat, is the 
most important city of the Shenandoah Valley. (See Virginia cities.) 

Waynesboro, the largest town, is beautifully and eligibly situated on the 
south branch of the Shenandoah river, half mile from the junction of the 
Chesapeake and Ohio and Norfolk and Western railroads. It is an im- 
portant business center for one of the richest sections of the county, having 
an excellent bank, several prosperous manufactories, a large flouring 
mill and some of the largest stores in the county. It has large and pros- 
perous Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist churches, and the best of 
schools, embracing the Fis^burne Military Academy, the Valley Female 
Seminary and a well-conducted graded public school. Basic City, a good 
new town of Augusta county half mile from Waynesboro, on the opposite 
side of the South Branch river, is the important junction of the Chesa- 
peake and Ohio and Norfolk and Western railroads, and has also a bank, 
several churches, a graded public school and several growing factories. 
There are also in the county several prosperous villages, such as Craigs- 
ville, on the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, Fcrdvuck, the seat of tire 
large Portland Cement Works, Greenville, Middlebrook, Mt. Solon, Mt. 
Meridian, Mt. Sidney, Stuart's Draft, and others, interspersed among the 
rich and prosperous sections of the county. These towns are all well pro- 
vided with telephones, in fact no county in the State has a better telephone 
system, which reaches every village and farming community in the county. 
A company with $250,000 capital has been organized to build and operate 
an electric road to run from Staunton to Newport, eighteen miles, which 
will add greatly to the transportation facilities of the county. There is 
also a good macadam pike from Staunton to and beyond Newport, passing 
through a fine section of the county, which greatly enhances the value 
of farming lands along its route. 

6 



82 

BATH COUNTY. 

This county, located on tile western border of the State, 120 miles north- 
west of Richmond, was organized in 1790 from parts of Augusta, Botetourt 
and Greenbrier counties. Eleven hours by Chesapeake and Ohio railroad 
from Cincinnati, six and one-half hours by rail from Washington, D. C, 
and Richmond, Virginia. Its mean altitude is 2,195 f?e . 

Its people are originally Scotch-Irish, having ccme from Pennsylvania 
to this section, beginning about 1740. Contains a population by census 
of 1900, of 5,595. Increase since census of 1890, 1 008. Males twenty- 
one years of age and over, 1,481. Area of county, 548 square miles. 

Portion of the county is mountainous balance rich, bottom lands, very 
fertile, though small in area. Well watered by its numerous springs, and 
Cow Pasture and Jackson rivers. 

The climate and scenery are unsurpassed. Reference to the Weather 
Bureau reports of the United States show this county to possess a very 
equable temperature of neither very great extremes of heat or cold, and 
ample rainfall, well distributed. 

In no part of the world, as shown by statistics, is there a more genfr^l 
state of good health, or a more long-lived vigorous people, and in no country 
in the temperate zone do the inhabitants, from choice, stay more in tl e 
open air and open their houses to the weather. 

This summary is strengthened by the fact that the large hotel at the 
Virginia Hot Springs in this county is kept open the year round as a 
health resort, and has a goodly number of guests the entire year. 

Bath county has long been famous for its numerous mineral springs, 
to some of which invalids have resorted since the beginning of the last 
century. The \\ arm Springs were known for their curative properties 
as early as 1750. 

The most widely known are the Warm Springs, the county, seat, the Hot 
Springs, five miles south of the Warm Springs, Healing Springs, eight miles 
south of Warm Springs, Bath Alum, five miles east of the Warm Springs, 
Milboro Springs, twelve miles east of the Warm Springs, and two miles 
distant from Milboro depot, Walla-watoola, one mile south of 
Milboro Springs, and Bolar Springs, seventeen miles north of Warm 
Springs. Great numbers of visitors resort to these springs in the sum- 
mer time and to the Virginia Hot Springs all the year round, bringing 
into the county and distributing much ready money for supplies. 

The Hot, Warm and Healing Springs are reached by the twenty-five 
mile branch road from Covington, on the main line of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio railroad, and they are constantly constructing buildings to meet the 
increased patronage of the place. 

Blowing Cave of this county is worthy of note as one of the great 
natural curiosities of the State. 

The industries of the county are mainly farming, grazing, tan bark and 
lumber business. Principal products are hay, corn, wheat, and oats. 

Fruit culture is also important and profitable in this county, embracing 
apples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries, grapes and berries, all of which 
produce fine crops and find a ready home market at good prices. Large 
apple and peach orchards abound, of increasing size and number. 

Grazing facilities are unexcelled. Most of the lands take naturally to 
grass; all you have to do in most sections to obtain a sod is to cut off the 
timber, let in the sunshine, and the grasses spring up without further 
attention, and in the woods there is a rich growth of wild grasses and other 
wild growth, on which cattle and sheep do well for six months in the 
year. When they come from the mountain ranges, as they are called, 
without any cost, other than the salting of them, they are fat and ready 
for the markets. 



S3 



Under these favorable conditions tae raising of cattle, sheep and hogs 
is one of the principal industries of the county, and one of the most 
profitable. 

Washington, Richmond, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, in a 
few hours' run, are excellent markets for the sale of stock. 

Timber is abundant, except on the main lir.e of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio railroad, where it has been culled out. There are large : and valuable 
bodies of pine, oak, poplar and hickory timber, and some walnut, locust 
and cherry: scarcely a section of the county, but has one or more steam 
sawmills in operation, and some equipped with planing machinery. 

For some years the shipping of tan bark has been an important industry, 
and the volume of business in that line is on the increase. 

A variety of minerals is to be found, such as iron, manganese, coal and 
marble; but iron is of most extent and interest, the others as yet unde- 
veloped. The development of the mineral interests of the county is 
destined to be an important factor in its growth and progress. 

Water power is excellent, affording many opportu ities for the estab- 
lishment of manufactories, etc. Streams are well stocked with trout and 
bass. 

The county has a special recommendation in that its public roads are 
good, well built and well kept. 

Railroad transportation is ample, consisting cf the main line of the 
Chesapeake and Ohio, which traverses the eastern part of the county, with 
branch lines extending into other portions. 

Telephone service is good; local lines cross the county in two directions, 
giving good service to most important places. These connect with lines 
into all adjoining counties. Southern Bell Telephone to Hot Springs gives 
all long distance connections. The free school system is kept to a high 
standard of excellence, and, in addition, there are good private boarding 
schools. 

The churches are Presbyterian, Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist, Dunkard 
and Catholic. These have houses of worship at convenient points through- 
out most of the county. 

Progress and general advancement of county most encouraging in every 
respect. Financial condition, splendid; water and health, excellent. 

Property, real and personal, is valued at what it would bring at a forced 
sale for cash, and the tax rate for all purposes, including state, county and 
district purposes of all kinds, averages about $1.00 on the one hundred 
dollars' worth of property. 

Warm Springs, the county seat, is located in the central part of the 
county. The courthouse, jail and county offices are here near by the fa- 
mous springs, constituting an attractive village, which is delightfully 
situated in the richest and most fertile part of the Warm Spri :gs valley. 



BEDFORD COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg, and lies at the east- 
ern base of the Blue Ridge mountains, in the southwest central part of the 
State, 100 miles southwest of Richmond. It is one of the largest counties 
of the State, being forty miles long and about thirty miles wide, contain- 
ing an area of 729 square miles. Its average altitude is 900 feet. 

Surface is broken, and, in western portion, mountainous, but very pro- 
ductive, and well watered by springs, brooks and creeks, with Otter river 
in center, and the James and Staunton rivers on northeast and south- 
west borders. 

Climate is mild and healthful, attracting large numbers of visitors from 
the south, who spend their summers at the various hotels and summer 
hoarding houses that are open each season for the accommodation of guests. 



85 

This is one of the richest, and most productive and thickly settled counties 
in the elames River valley, containing a population, census cf 1900, of 
30,356. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 6,809. 

The soil is red clay and light grey, or slate, producing abundant crops 
of -wheat, corn, rye, oats and tobacco, average yield of "which is about 
fifteen bushels of wheat, twenty-five bushels of corn, twenty bushels rye, 
twenty-five bushels oats and 1,000 to 1,500 pounds tobacco per acre. 
The latter is probably the most profitable industry of the county. 
Fruit is also worthy of special mention, and this county may be very 
properly classed as one of the five fruit counties of the State, the moun- 
tainous portions of which are especially adapted to fruit of all kinds, 
and in this section blue grass is indigenous, affording most excellent 
grazing facilities. The dairy interest is also of consideraole importance 
and profit to this section. 

This county contains many diversified industries, notably, flouring and 
saw mills of large capacity. Churches and schools are numerous and con- 
venient. 

The railroads are the Chesapeake and Ohio, extending along the south 
branch of the James river, and the Norfolk and Western through its 
middle part, from east to west, furnishing transportation to the markets 
north and south. 

Minerals numerous, and of superior quality, such as iron, zinc, asbestos, 
kaolin, silver, barytes, mica, slate, lead, and limestone. 

Timber is extensive and valuable, embracing walnut, chestnut, hickory, 
pine, poplar, locust and oak. 

Game is abundant. Wild animals are bear, de;r, fox, otter, beaver, mink, 
weasel, raccoon, opossum and squirrel; wild fowls — turkey, gcose, duck, 
crane, snipe, woodcock, pheasant and partridge. 

The celebrated Peaks of Otter, noted for their sublime, picturesque 
scenery, are situated in this coimty, a few miles from Bedford City, the 
county seat. They have an altitude of 4,001 feet above sea level, and can 
be seen, under favorable conditions of atmosphere, from beyond Lynchburg, 
fifty-five miles distant. 

Bedford City, the county seat on the Norfolk and Western railroad, 
is located near the center of the county, and surrounded by a beautiful, 
picturesque section of country. It contains a number of tobacco fac- 
tories, several warehouses, woolen and spoke factories, flouring and 
planing mills and machine shops, besides numerous churches, news- 
papers, schools — public and private, including the Randolph-Macon 
Academy — banks, water works, and plar.t for electric lights. Population 
by census of 1900, 2,416. 

The past few years have been marked by the greatest industrial develop- 
ment and building activity in this town. A new bank has been established, 
new industries inaugurated, and more residences erected than during the 
entire preceding ten years. The postal receipts were the largest in the 
experience of the office. 

The banking business is reported the largest since the fictitious days of 
1890. The Lynchburg Trust and Savings Bank has built one of the most 
attractive bank buildings in the State. 

The export tobacco business is assuming considerable proportions, and the 
receipts for the new tobacco year will, it is thought, be between 4,000,- 
000 and 5,000,000 pounds. 

A very successful cigar factory has been added; an ice factory, a large 
carriage factory, stores and storage houses have been erected. But the 
new industry pregnant, perhaps, with largest possibilities, is the estab- 
lishment of the Frazer Paint Works. This is both elastic and water 



86 

proof, properties possessed by no other known pigment found in this county. 
The company developing it began with a cash capital of $60,000, but men 
of wealth are behind the enterprise). 

The asbestos mines south of Bedford City have been purchased by Penn- 
sylvania capitalists. 

Many new residences have been built, and there is not a vacant house 
m the town for rent. The price of real estate has advanced materially, 
especially in the business section. 



BLAND COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1861 from Wythe, Giles, and Tazewell, and is 
located in southwestern part of the State, 195 miles southwest of Richmond. 
Population, census of 1900, 5,497. Increase since census of 1890, 368. 
Number males twenty-one years and over, 1,231. 

It contains an area of 352 square miles. Surface is broken and 
moutainous to a considerable extent. Portions of the latter are very valu- 
able for grazing purposes, and the valley lands are very rich. 

Soil black loam and reddish clay, very productive and well adapted to 
the usual farm products of this section, such as corn, rye, oats, wheat, 
buckwheat, potatoes and the grasses, especially blue grass, which is indig- 
enous to this section, and, in consequence, stock raising has become the 
most profitable industiy of the county, especially cattle and sheep, large 
numbers of which are of fine quality and are shipped annually to the 
markets, or sold to the dealers who come into the county to buy. This 
county is also well adapted to fruits of all kinds, that grow to great 
perfection. 

The timbers of this county are walnut, poplar, pine, oak, ash, hemlock, 
sugar tree, hickory and beach, and abound in large quantities of excep- 
tionally fine quality. This is destined zo be a valuable industry in the 
county when reached by railroads, which would also develop the valuable 
mineral deposits of this section, consisting of iron, coal, lead, zinc, copper, 
manganese, slate, kaolin, ochre, barytes, and slate. Coal is also found and 
mined. 

Mineral springs are numerous and of fine medicinal quality. Some have 
been improved and opened to summer visitors, notably Sharon Springs, 
which is a delightful resort 2,850 feet above sea level, with a climate un- 
excelled, dry and exhilarating, and an abundance of clear, pure water — 
limestone and freestone. No more healthful section of country is to be 
found, and it is an Eldorado for the sportsman, with its abundance of game 
and streams abounding with fish, embracing the noted mountain trout. 
The water courses of the county are Walker's and Wolf creeks and other 
smaller streams, which afford unlimited water power, and of a high order, 
as to fall and location for development. The nearest railroad station at 
present is Wytheville, twenty miles distant from the county seat on the 
Norfolk and Western railroad, but a new line of railroad is being built up 
Wolf creek, in the northern section of the county, which will develop many 
industries in that portion of the county and eventually be extended to em- 
brace a much larger portion of the county. Telephone service and mail 
facilities are good, with daily mail and phone service to all parts of 
the county. General conditions in this county are highly favorable, with 
a sober and industrious population. Schools and churches are numerous 
and convenient. Financial conditions are good, with a very flattering out- 
look for future progress and advancement. 

Seddon, the county seat, located near the center of the county, has a flour- 
ing mill, high school, newspaper, two churches, and a population, by 
census of 1900, of 249. It is centrally and conveniently located with good 
turnpike roads diverging north, south, east and west. 



87 



BOTETOURT COUNTY. 

Botetourt county, named in honor of Lord Botetourt. Governor of the 
Colony in 1768, was formed in 1770 from Augusta, extending at the time of 
formation to the Mississippi river. Its present limits are forty-four miles 
long and eighteen miles wide, situated between the Blue Ridge anu Alle 
ghany mountains in the western part of the State, 115 miles west of 
Richmond. Altitude 1,250 feet. It contains a population by census of 
1900. of 17,161. Increase since census of 1890, 2.307. Number ci males 
twenty-one years and over, 4,010. 

Area, 548 square miles; surface rolling, partly mountainous; central 
portion a beautiful valley, very fertile; soil loam, with clay subsoil, well 
adapted to the production of grain, grasses, tobaco, fruits, etc., the moun- 
tain ranges affording excellent pasturage for horses, cattle and sheep, of 
which superior breeds are raised. The fine blue grass sod, to which the 
land runs naturally, renders dairying an important industry. Tobacco is 
also produced to some extent, and of superior quality, but fruit and 
vegetable culture, to which this county is especially adapted, is probably 
its most important and profitable industry, bringing to the county large 
revenues. 

It is a notable fact that Botetourt has more canneries than any other 
county in the State, numbering about 75, and even stands near the head 
of the list in the United States in that industry, tomatoes being the chief 
product. So great was the demand for cans here, that in 1903 the Virginia 
Can Company was organized at Buchanan — by Mr. O. C. Huffman, of 
Staunton, Virginia, its head ever since- — which succeeded from the out- 
set, making and selling 2,250,000 cans that year, the second year over 7,000.- 
000, and in 1905 nearly 10,000,000 tin cans. This immense product of 
home enterprise goes in car-load lots to North Carolina, Georgia and 
Tennessee, and other southern States, and to the far west. A well-equipped 
box-making plant, which furnishes cases in which much of the output is 
shipped, has been recently added to the establishment, and the orders for 
this year indicate a larger business than ever before. Peaches, corn, 
apples and berries are also large products of the Botetourt canneries, the 
total amount of canned goods reaching the e.iormous figure of 103,000 cases 
annually. 

Railroads, are the Chesapeake and Ohio, and Norfolk and We-tern, with 
their branches which extend through the length and breadth of the county, 
furnishing easy and ready access to all principal markets. 

Rivers are the James and its numerous tributaries, also C:w Pasture and 
Jackson rivers which afford superior water power. 

Manufactories are numerous, embracing stave mills, planing mills foun- 
dry and shops, iron furnaces, tanneries, woolen mills, large lime plants, 
ana flour and saw mills of large capacity. There are eight, saw mills in 
Botetourt, and large quantities of poplar, oak and chestnut lumber are 
sawed. Timbers are poplar, walnut, oak, ash, pine, hickory, maple and 
chestnut. 

Minerals are iron, coal, manganese, barytes and marble, the most ex- 
tensive and valuable of which is iron, which exists in immense quantities. 
Mineral waters are lithia, sulphur, ferro-magnesia and alum, at which 
springs pleasant summer resorts are established, attracting numerous 
visitors. 

Trucking is a growing and important industry, furnishing the marke's of 
Roanoke. Clifton. Covington, etc. 

The streams abound with fish of various kinds, such as bass, carp, 
mountain trout, suckers, pike, etc. 

Game found in the county are deer, fox, squirrel, hare, mink, beaver, 
otter, muskrat, weasel, wild cat, and opossum. 



' 




^Gy 



v 



., :-•.., 




89 

Wild fowls are wild turkey, pheasant, patridge and woodcock, birds, 
hawks, owls, crows, robins, snipe, black bird, thrash, lark, wrenn and dove. 

Climate mild and temperate, np extremes of heat or cold. 

Health is good, and water abundant and pure — limestone and freestone. 

Churches and mail facilities first-class; churches in all portions of 
county, and daily mail to every postoffice. 

Educational advantages are of a hign order, embracing numerous free 
schools and several graded schools. Hollins Institute is a large female 
school of wide reputation. 

Telephone service excellent. Three lines through the county furnish 
local and long distance service to all sections. 

. Market advantages are very good, there being quick and easy access to 
all markets, north, east, south and west. 

The people are sober, industrious and progressive, and their financial con- 
dition highly favorable. 

Principal towns are Fincastle and Buchanan. 

Fincastle, the county seat, has a population of 652, daily mails, tele- 
graph and express communications, several churches and public schools, 
newspaper, bank, woolen mill, canning factory, foundry, planing mill, 
tannery, harness shops, machine shops, and spoke, stave -nd handle factory. 

Buchanan, on the James, and the section of which it is the business cen- 
ter, has shown marked progress during the past year. A most important 
event in the history of the town has been the completion of a water 
works system, by which an ample supply of pure mountain spring water 
is brought into the town, sufficient (besides meeting the needs of the town) 
to supply power to small industries. 

The establishment of an excellent high school, with an able 
corps of teachers, is also a recent event of importance, and the large 
increase in the business of the bank at this place may be taken as a fair 
index of the business conditions of the town and community. 

Population of Buchanan, census of 1900, is 716. It has a good newspaper. 



BRUNSWICK COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1721 from Isle of Wight, and Surry counties, 
and is situated in southeast central part of State, bordering on ^orth 
Carolina, about seventy miles south of Richmond. 

In shape it is nearly square, containing an area of 529 square miles. 
Average size of farms, 165 acres; range of prices, $2 to $10 per acre. 

About thirty per cent, of total area is under cultivation, surface undu- 
lating, soil rich, sandy loam, easily worked, and very productive. Staple 
crops are wheat, corn, cotton, tobacco and peanuts, most profitable of 
which are cotton and tobacco, ranking third of the counties of the State 
in the production of cotton, producing annually about 3,000 bales, and of 
tobacco, over one-half million pounds of superior quality, principally for 
export. Vegetables, fruits and melons grow to great perfection and in 
abundance. 

Dairy interests and stock raising are also importa: t industries. Tim- 
bers, are poplar, oak, pine, hickory, birch, maple, gum, etc., and are abun- 
dant, giving employment to numerous sawmills, and offering inducements 
for other industries in that line. 

Rivers are the Nottoway, Meherrin, and their tributaries. 

The Atlantic and Danville railroad gives communication with Norfolk 
and Danville. 

Population, census of 1900, 18,217; increase since census of 1890, 972. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 4,010. 



00 

Climate is mild and healthful, water excellent and abundant. 

Forty churches of different denominations in all sections of the county. 

Schools are numerous, and in prosperous condition. 

Mail facilities, convenient and extensive, meeting the necessity of every 
section. 

Wild animals are deer, beaver, otter, fox, raccoon, opossum, mink, 
muskrat, squirrel and hare. Wild fowls are turkeys, pheasants, ducks, 



artridg-e and woodcock. 



County seat, Lawrenceville, on Atlantic and Danville railroad, contains 
railroad shops, bank, college, public school, several churches, and a news- 
paper, The Gazette, Weekly. 

Population, census of 1900, 760. Increase since census of 1890, 455. 

The lands in this county are cheaper than in most sections of the S'.ate 
of equal fertility and accessibility, and so fir. no minerals have been dis- 
covered. 



BUCHANAN COUNTY. 

This county formed in 1858 from Russell and Tazewell, and named in 
honor of President Buchanan, is located in Southwest Virginia, and is ont, 
of the extreme border counties of the State, 250 miles southwest of Rich- 
mond. Area 492 square miles, 639,262 acres. Average size farms, 23& 
acres. Lands are low, but have a speculative interest on account of im- 
mense mineral deposits. 

Surface is rugged and mountainous. Comparatively little of the land 
is under cultivation, balance in timber. Soil is of a sandy nature, and 
fertile. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, rye, oats, millet, tobacco, potatoes^ 
buckwheat, hay and sorghum. Wheat is well adapted to this section, and 
is receiving special attention. Stock raising and dairying are also sources 
of some revenue. Fruits of all kinds, especially grapes, do well, but are- 
only grown sufficiently for home consumption. 

The great importance attached to this county is its vast wealth of iron,, 
coal and timber, which is attracting capital, and a large influx of popula- 
tion. Bituminous coal of fine quality, and large quantity is found in 
veins from five to eleven feet in thickness.. Timber of the usual kinds — 
but the most valuable of which is oak, poplar, ash and WRlnut — abounds 
in large area, and superior quality to any county in the State, perhaps the 
getting out and rafting of which to Cincinnati and ether points by the 
Big Sandy river, a branch of the Ohio, and its manufacture in the comity 
by a number of extensive plants, afford employment to the largest 
number of people, and is a source of greatest revenue to the county and 
its inhabitants. 

Reference to the various lumber plants operating in this county will con- 
vey an idea of the extent of this valuable industry. 

The Yellow Poplar Lumber Company, of Grundy, has a tramroad ex- 
tending twenty-five miles up Slate creek, and with two locomotives 
bring out daily one hundred logs, which average forty-five cubic feet to 
the log. North of Grundy, on Knox creek, W. M. Ritter Lumber Com- 
pany have two large band mills in operation, which cut from 50,000 to 
80,000 feet per day. They also have a tramroad with steel rail from 
O'Keefe. West Virginia, on Tug river, extending up Knox creek, upon 
which they operate six mountain locomotives. South of Grundy, T. Fu- 
gate & Company, Shaffner Brothers, and Pitzer and Lindsey do a very 
large lumber business; also Vensant, Kitchen and Company, on Dismal 
creek, besides numerous smaller mills. 

Rivers are Louisa, Russell and New Garden, forks of Big Sandy river, 
Large quantities of timber are rafted on Louisa river to Citlettsburg, 



91 



Kentucky, Cincinnati, Ohio, and other points, and these streams also 
afford excellent water power, if utilized. Nearest railroad is the Clinch 
Valley branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad in Tazewell county, 
near the border. 

Mineral waters are found to some extent, the most important of which 
are the Healing Springs. 

Educational advantages consist of the usual county ire^ schools 

As to churches, mail facilities, financial condition, progress, and general 
advancement, the conditions of this county are fairly favorable, and rapidly 
improving. 

The climate, owing to elevation, is moist and cool. The weather sta- 
tion at Freeling (near by) reports the average temperature 52.4 degrees; 
rainfall 60.1. 

Total population of the county, census of 1900, is 9,692. Increase 
since census of 1890 is 3,825. Number of males twenty-one years and 
over, 1,958. 

Grundy, the county seat, situated near center of the county, has a popu- 
lation of 200. several churches, mills and factories, public school, a news- 
paper, etc. Its nearest railroad station is Richlands, on Clinch Valley 
railroad, distant about twenty-five miles. 



BUCKINGHAM COUNTY. 

Buckingham county is located in the central part of the State, on south 
side of James river, about half way between Richmond and Lynchburg, 
and distant from each about fifty miles. It is thirty-five miles long and 
twenty-four miles wide, altitude 550 feet. 

It was originally a portion of Albemarle county, from which it was 
detached and formed into a county in the year 1761, containing an area of 
552 square miles. 

Surface is generally level, with large quantity of bottom land on the 
rivers, but rolling and hilly in some parts. 

Soil is a gray and black loam, with red clay subsoil, which produces 
abundantly when brought to a high state of cultivation. There is a strip 
of black land from four to six miles wide extending across the western 
portion of the county, which, under the old regime before the war, was in 
a high state of improvement and was considered the garden spot of Buck- 
ingham. 

Farm products are tobacco, corn, wheat, oats, hay, rye, buckwheat, etc. 
Tobacco is the staple crop of the county, producing about five million 
pounds annually. This tobacco is a dark shipping variety and is in good 
demand for English, Austrian and Italian markets. In some sections an 
acre of tobacco will bring to the planter $100, and the average may bs placed 
at from $40 to $60 per acre. 

Wheat in the clay lands produces abundantly, yielding as much as thirtv 
bushels to the acre, the average yield being from ten to fifteen 
bushels per acre. Corn, oats and hay also do well under careful and 
systematic cultivation. 

Fruits and vegetables, such as apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, 
strawberries, melons, potatoes, garden vegetables, etc., are in abundance. 

Stock and grazing facilities are fairly good, small cattle and sheep do 
well. 

Timber lands embrace a large area of the usual varieties, such as oak, 
poplar, walnut, pine, hickory, chestnut, maple, etc., much of which is 
sawed and marketed, and large quantities converted into hoops, staves, 
shingles, and railroad ties. 



92 

This county is rich in minerals — copper, iron, gold, silver, slate, barytes, 
mica, limestone, soapstone and asbestos. Her minerals are practically 
undeveloped, and untold wealth locked up in her borders is waiting for 
capital to liberate and utilize them for the benefit of mankind. There are 
three distinct gold-bearing veins two to fifteen feet wide, which extend 
across the county in a northeast direction. Before the war, these were 
worked extensively in a good many places, but owing to the crude methods 
of reducing ore and the process of removing the sulphur they were aban- 
doned. Three companies have now acquired locations on these veins, and 
are making investigations, preparatory to work, which promise better re- 
sults than ever before. 

A vein one-fourth to one-half mile wide of the finest roofing slate in 
the world crosses the county, and is worked extensively rear Arvonia, in 
the northern part of the county. Four companies with a capitalization 
of four hundred thousand dollars produce large quantities of slate, for 
which they find ready market. The Buckingham slate retains its color 
and hardness to an unusual degree, and has a national reputation. 

Water courses are James, Slate and Willis rivers, and numerous smaller 
streams, which afford splendid water power for all kinds of manufactories, 
especially the James, in its long sweep of fifty miles around the county. 
Manufactories are slate and timber factories, and tobacco industries, flour- 
ing mills, sawmills, bark mills and sumac. 

Mineral waters are sulphur, chalybeate, lithia and alum. 

Railroad transportation consists of a branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio 
extending twenty-one miles through center of county, and the main line 
of the Chesapeake and Ohio, keeping close to the north side of the James 
river, for fifty miles. 

Telephone service very good in northern part of county. 

Market advantages are Lynchburg and Richmond, with Farmville as 
the nearest local market. 

Educational advantages are public schools and graded school at Big Is- 
land; churches and postoffices, numerous and convenient. Financial con- 
dition excellent; water pure, sweet, and plentiful, and health un- 
surpassed. Nature has done much for Buckingham in all that tends to 
make a people prosperous and happy, and she now offers to home seekers 
many inducements, such as cheap lands, a favorable climate, genial and 
mild, a remunerative soil, good markets for the products of their labor, 
and many others that might be mentioned ; but the most convincing proof 
of this assertion is to visit the county and see the farmers who have con- 
verted the old fields into good farms, which evidence: their thrift and 
prosperity in the past few years. There is plenty of room here for the 
home seeker, and a welcome awaits him from her hospitable citizens. 

Population of the county, census of 1900, 15,266. Increase since 
census of 1890, 883. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,326. 

Buckingham Courthouse (Maysville), the county seat, is a thriving 
village of 300 inhabitants, situated near the center of the county, and 
reached by a branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio at New Canton. 

Arvonia is a growing town, owing to the slate mines at that place 
employing a large number of men, and a rapidly increasing output in that 
business. It contains a large graded school, several good churches, numer- 
ous residences, and others being erected. 



9 a 

CAMPBELL COUNTY. 

This county, formed in 1781 from Bedford, and named for General Wil- 
liam Campbell, a famous Revolutionary officer, is situated in the south 
central part of the State, five hours ride from Washington, six from Balti- 
more, and ten from New York, 145 miles by rail southwest from Richmond. 

It is nearly a square, twenty-five miles each way, and conta.ns 551 square 
miles, seventy-five per cent, of which is cultivated. Price of lands, location, 
and facilities of transportation considered, few sections of the State otter 
better inducements to home seekers. The surface is rolling and hilly; the 
soil, red clay in northern part, sandy in southern, and very fertile. 

Farm products are corn, Avheat, oats, rye and tobacco; the improved 
lands producing from 15 to 30 bushels of wheat, and from fifty to seventy- 
five bushels of corn, per acre; and the annual production of tobacco being 
from four to five million pounds, and of excellent quality. The grasses, sucli 
as, red clover, orchard and timothy, grow well, and, with proper attention 
and management, produce abundant crops. This county is especially adapt- 
ed to fruit of the various kinds; such as apples, peaches, pears, plums, 
cherries, melons, grapes, berries, etc.; and is especially noted for the 
flavor, size and quality of its peaches. Vegetables and dairy products 
are considerable sources of revenue. Stock raising is profitably en- 
gaged in, but not to the extent that the favorable conditions would justify. 
The climate and soil are especially Avell adapted to the raising of sheep. 
Transportation facilities are unsurpassed: one trunk line — the Southern 
railway — extending north and south; two trunk lines — the Norfolk and 
Western, and the Chesapeake and Ohio — extending east and west; and the 
third, the Lynchburg and Durham, south. The Southern and the Lynch- 
burg and Durham traverse the county its full length from nortn to south; 
and all its lines of railway have connection at Lynchburg, on the northern 
border, and combine to give the county superior market facilities in every 
direction. Lynchburg also affords an extensive and lucrative market for 
all farm products. 

Iron ore, manganese, and barytes, are the most important and valuable 
minerals; the last two being developed and worked to some extent. Iron. 
lithia and alum springs abound; the most important being the Bedford 
Alum, in this county near the Bedford county line, which is a place of 
considerable resort. 

Timbers are pine, oak, poplar, walnut, hickory, locust, gum, ash, and 
cedar; of which pine and oak are the most abundant and valuable. 

The James and the Staunton rivers, on the north and the south respec- 
tively, with their interior tributary streams, Otter, and Big and Little Fall- 
ing rivers, furnish abundant drainage and water supply; indeed no county 
in the State has a greater abundance of springs, branches, creeks, etc. 

Water power is abundant, and a large proportion of it is still unde- 
veloped. Manufactories are a foundry, planing mill, tobacco-box fac- 
tory, woolen mill, bark and sumac mills, and numerous grain mills and 
sawmills; but these are very insignificant in comparison with the coun- 
ty's splendid manufacturing advantages and possibilities, of water power, 
raw material, and transportation facilities to bring the cotton from the 
south, and coal and other ores from the southwest, with an extensive outlet 
by rail to the markets in all directions. 

The climate is temperate, salubrious and healthful, and the water excel- 
lent and abundant. Churches, public schools, telephone service, and mail 
facilities are ample and convenient. 

Population, independent of the city of Lynchburg, census of 1900. 23.- 
256. Increase since census of 1890, 1,878. Number of males twenty-one 
years and over, 4,988. 



1)5 

Rustburg, the county seat, is situated near the center of the county, on 
the Lynchburg and Durham division of the Norfolk nnd Western rail- 
road. It has graded streets, two public schools, three churches, one fra- 
ternal order, and a population of about 250. Value cf real estate, 
$1,947 663; personalty, $1,417,790. 



CAROLINE COUNTY. 

This county, located in the northeastern part of the State, eighteen miles 
north of Richmond, was formed in 1727 from King and Queen, Essex, 
and King William. It is about twenty-eight miles long and twenty milea 
wide, and contains an area of 562 square miles. 

There is a large amount of bottom lands on the numerous rivers and 
creeks which is very productive. The proportion of land under cultivation 
is about fifty per cent. The surface is rolling, the soil light, easily culti- 
vated, and readily improved. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, hay and tobacco; 
field peas, also, are produced in great abundance, both as a fertilizer and as 
a forage crop. Much the most profitable industry of the county, however, 
is tobacco raising; the annual production of which is about cne million 
pounds; bringing, as estimated for last year, largely over a quarter of a 
million dollars. The growing of fine manufacturing tobacco is a speoaltv, 
and in this respect it is not surpassed by any other county in the State. 
Other products are vegetables, butter, fruits and dairying; all of which 
are produced in abundance; and, with the advantage ri ccnv n'ent °nrl <e - 
tensive markets, such as Richmond, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, 
and New York, they constitute valuable and important industries. Stock 
raising is assuming some proportions, and the quality of stock is being very 
much improved. Excelsior for packing is extensive" y and profitably manu- 
factured. 

Timber is abundant, such as oak, hickory, walnut, pine, birch, etc., 
much of which is converted into lumber. 

Its railroad, the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac, extends through 
the county from north to south. 

This is one of the best watered counties in the State: its rivers are 
the Rappahannock on the northern boundary, the North Anna on the 
southern, and the Mattapony and its tributaries in the cenlril ] orticn, af- 
fording much fine water power. 

Climate excellent: free from storms, cyclones, blizzards, etc., and very 
healthful as the result of its numerous fi e springs cf fure, soft, drink- 
ing water. 

Population, census of 1900, 16,709. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, census of 1900, 3,474. 

Bowling Green, the county seat, is located near the center of the county, 
three miles from Milford, the near by station on the Richmond, Fredericks- 
burg and Potomac railroad, from which point it has daily communication, 
li is a flourishing town of 458 inhabitants, several churches and public 
schools, Academy, Female Seminarv, tobacco warehouse, and carriage and 
wagon factory. Other towns are Port Royal, with a population of 193, 
and Ruther Glenn, a small place, but busy railroad village. 



CARROLL COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1842 from the eastern part of Grayson, and 
was named in honor of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. It is situated 
on the southern border of the State, 183 miles southwest from Richmond. It 
touches the North Carolina line. 



97 

Carroll contains a population, census of 1900, of l'. ! , 303; showing an in- 
crease since census of 1890 of 3,806. Males twenty-one years and over, 
census of 1900, 3,971. 

It has an area of 445 square miles. Surface is broken and mountainous, 
with fertile and productive valleys; the largest area of desirable lands 
lying in the southern half of the county. It is bordered by the Alleghany 
and the Rocky mountains; and these mountain ranges are especially adapted 
to the pasturage of stock, large numbers of which are raised, cattle rais- 
ing, especially, being one of the leading industries of the county. 

The lands readily produce wheat, corn, oats, rye, buckwheat, potatoes, and 
the grasses. Some tobacco is also grown, but the county is especially noted 
for the production of rye and buckwheat, ranking among the first of the 
counties of the State for the production of these grains. Fruits are grown 
to great perfection, especially apples and grapes. Portions of the county 
are noted for me growth of the cranberry. 

A large proportion of the county is still in timber of original growth, 
especially on the southern side, with good bodies of white pine in the 
northwestern section. The most important and valuable species are oak, 
pine, ash, cherry, walnut, poplar, and chestnut; of which a large amount 
is annually manufactured into lumber for export. Sawmills are numerous. 

This county is very rich in minerals; the principal of which are copper 
and iron, the latter being extensively mined. Mica and asbestos are also 
known to exist, but are not developed. The copper is on the same formation 
upon which the celebrated copper mines of Ducktown, Tennessee, are situ- 
ated. This valuable deposit has been comparatively unknown; but Carroll 
is ultimately to become one of the great copper counties of the south- 
west, and of the State. The construction of the Mt. Rogers and Eastern 
railway, which is contemplated, will bring about the development of some 
fine mineral properties, as its route lies diagonally along the mineral 
belt through the county. There are already developments being made in 
the section northwest of Hillsville. That Carroll, with adequate means of 
transportation, will develop mines of great value, which will form the basis 
of industries of large and important dimensions, there can be no doubt. 

The mineral waters of this county have long been known throughout this 
section for their curative properties; notably the old Grayson Sulphur 
Springs, situated twenty miles south of Wytheville, on the banks of New 
river, with its wild and romantic river and mountain scenery rendering 
it a very attractive and pleasant resort. Its four springs — one a white 
sulphur, one a red, and the other two chalybeate — have their openings with- 
in an area of thirty feet in diameter, and their temperature of 47° and 48°, 
besides furnishing a cool and refreshing draught, is so low that they retain 
their gaseous contents in a state of combination for a long while. 

In other sections of the county the scenery is grand and picturesque; 
especially along the rivers with their wild and romantic dells, cascades and 
waterfalls. The health of the county is good, the water pure, soft and 
abundant. Every section of the county is well supplied with water by its 
numerous streams. New river, Big and Little Reed Island creeks, Chestnut, 
Poplar, Camp and Crooked creeks ; which would afford water power 
sufficient, if utilized, to answer an almost unlimited demand. 

Hillsville, the county seat, with a population of about 300, is situated 
near the center of the county, in the basin of the Blue Ridge mountains 
on Little Reed Island creek, a tributary of New river. It is about ten 
miles south of Betty Baker depot, which is its nearest point on the Little 
Reed Island branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad. It contains, besides 
the courthouse, churches, hotels, stores, schools, newspaper, bank, shops, 
foundry, etc. Considerable business activity prevails here since the com- 
pletion of the railroad to that section of busy mining operations, an increase 
of fifteen to twenty per cent, in the volume of trade being reported. 
7 



99 

CHARLES CITY COUNTY. 

This county constituted one of the original shires into which the State . 
was divided in 1634. It is located in the east central part of the State, 
twelve miles southeast of Richmond, on the peninsula formed by the 
James and the Chickahominy rivers. 

It is thirty miles long, with a mean width of about eight miles, and 
has an area of 183 square miles. The surface is mostly level , or gently 
undulating. The soil is varied — alluvium and gray loam predominating — 
and is for the most part productive, especially on the rivers, where the 
quality is superior. These river lands constitute a large proportion of 
the area of the county, and upon them are found many fine old colonial 
estates and residences. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, potatoes, peanuts, and hay; the 
yields of cereals being above the average for the State. Fruits and 
vegetables, to which the climate and soil are especially adapted, succeed 
admirably. Poultry and dairying are also profitable and growing indus- 
tries. No section of the country is better adapted to a profitable truck- 
ing business, especially on the fine river lands, with their superior market ad- 
vantages by rail and water. Stock and grazing facilities are very good; 
with an abundance of water and native grasses, and soil well adapted to 
the pasturage of stock. 

The fish industry is a very important and profitable one in the county; 
all the streams abounding in fish of the most valuable species, such as 
shad, herring, sturgeon, alewives, etc. 

Marl of superior quality, and in large quantity, is found, and only awaits 
capital and development to become an important factor in the business of 
the county. 

With only about fifty per cent, of the lands under cultivation, there 
remains an extensive area in timber. Original growth has been pretty 
generally cut off, but the second growth of pine, oak, hickory, etc., rapidly 
replaces it. 

Rivers are the James and the Chickahominy, with their numerous 
tributaries, which afford considerable water power, not as yet utilized. The 
transportation advantages afforded by these streams are of great profit and 
convenience ;' especially the James river, upon which there are daily boats 
from Richmond, and tri-weekly from Petersburg to Norfolk. 

Railroad transportation consists of the Chesapeake and Ohio, which 
runs through the upper portion, bordering the county for eighteen or 
twenty miles. The Richmond and Newport News Telephone Co. has a line 
near the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, seven miles from Charles City 
Courthouse. 

Manufactories consist of shingle mills, on the Chickahominy, grist, flour 
and saw mills, in several localities, and large brick yards, on James 
liver. 

The climate is much modified by the surrounding water, and is tem- 
perate and pleasant, and with an abundance of pure freestone water. Health 
compares favorably Avith that of any other section. Churches and public 
schools are numerous, mail facilities good, and financial condition excel- 
lent, while the soil responds quickly to improvement, and retains fertility. 
Situated between the Chickahominy and the James, and convenient to the 
great industrial centers of the Commonwealth — Richmond, Norfolk and 
Newport News — the county is brought in close touch with the outside 
world. 

With all these varied attractions, home seekers and investors will find 
here an inviting field, and a hearty welcome from its hospitable people. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 5,040. Number of males twenty- 
one years and over, 1,188. 

The county seat, Charles City Courthouse, is located near the center 
of the county, and has a population of about one hundred. 



101 

CHARLOTTE COUNTY. 

Charlotte county, formed in 1764 from Lunenburg county, is located 
in central Southern Virginia, sixty-six miles southwest of Richmond. 

Tt contains an area of 479 square miles. The surface is generally roll- 
ing; soil varying from loam to clay, and capable of high improvement; bot- 
tom and valley lands very productive. 

Farm products are tobacco, wheat, corn, rye, oats, hay, peas, etc. It is 
especially the home of fine high-priced shipping tobacco, and is justly consid- 
ered one ot the finest tobacco growing counties in the Stale, yielding annually 
more than four million pounds. Vegetables and fruits of" all kinds, such 
as apples, peaches, pears, cherries, grapes, melons, etc., are grown in 
abundance. Stock raising is also an important industry, to which the 
lands are well adapted. Wild fruits and nuts are abundant; the latter 
frequently almost sufficient for the fall fattening of hogs. 

Timber abounds in large quantities; more than one-half of the sur- 
face is covered with forest, much of which is second growth j but there 
are still much of the native timbers, such as oak, poplar, hickory, walnut, 
ash, etc. The manufacture of lumber is one of the profitable industries of 
the county. 

The minerals consist of iron, copper, mica, kaolin, soapstone, etc., the 
most important of which, perhaps, is iron, which has been found in veins 
eight to sixteen feet in width; but as yet the mineral wealth of the county 
is comparatively undeveloped, with the exception of copper, which is being 
mined now. • 

Mineral waters are lithia, sulphur, calcium, magnesia, etc. 

Water courses are the Staunton river and other smaller streams; the 
former of which is navigable by bauteaux and small steamers. Manufac- 
tories are confined chiefly to flouring and saw mills. 

Railroad facilities are admirable, the Norfolk and Western on the north, 
the Lynchburg and Durham on the west, the Richmond and Danville 
through the center, a branch line from Keysville into North Carolina and 
the Tidewater through the county, now building. 

Educational advantages are good, with a sufficient number of public and 
private schools. Financial condition of the county is very favorable. The 
public debt is small ; county four per cent, bonds sell at par. In progress 
and general advancement, there is evident improvement in this county. 
The climate is mild and healthful; the water pure, with springs abundant. 
Churches and mail facilities numerous and convenient. 

Population, census of 1900, 15,343. Increase since census 1890, 266. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, census of 1900, 3,254. 

This county has such natural advantages of climate, soil and locality, 
that with energy, and enterprise, its immediate future is bright and promis- 
ing; and at the present price of lands, which are advancing, no section 
offers a better opportunity for investment. 

It has the distinction of having been the home of two of Virginia's most 
distinguished sons — John Randolph and Patrick Henry. 

On account of its peculiar fitness for the purpose, it has recently been 
chosen as the location of the State test farm, situated at Saxe, on the 
Richmond and Danville railroad division of the Southern railway. 

Charlotte Court House, the county seat, is situated in the central part 
of the county, on Ward's Fork creek, a tributary of Staunton river five 
miles northwest of Drake's Branch on the Southern railway, with which it 
has daily stage communication by a fine macadam road. It contains 
several churches and schools, a newspaper, bank, and a population of 400. 

Keysville, at the junction of the main Ire and a branch of the South- 
ern railway is a thriving town of 500 population. It has a good bank, and 
is the center of a large tobacco growing section of the State. 



103 

Drake's Branch, located on the Southern railway,, five miles southeast 
from the county seat, is one of the largest tobacco markets in the State, 
and ships at least five million pounds of tobacco annually. It is a flour- 
ishing town of 700 inhabitants, and has sixteen mercantile establishments, 
two tobacco sales warehouses, and six prizeries, where tobacco is prepared 
for foreign markets ; also a grist and flouring mill, a bank and two hotels. 



CHESTERFIELD 

This county was established in 1748, from that part of Henrico which was 
then on the south side of James river, and is a long and narrow penin- 
sula between the James and the Appomattox rivers. It is twenty-eight 
miles long and eighteen miles wide, and is nearly divided into three equal 
parts, one between James river and Falling creek, the next between Fall- 
ing and Swift creeks, and the last between Swift creek and Appomattox 
river, and extends to Bichmond on the north, to Petersburg on the south, 
with an area of 484 square miles. 

The most valuable lands are found on James river; such as the historic 
farms of Drewry's Bluff, Presque Island and Bermuda Hundred, with many 
others just as productive; also some fine farms on the large creeks. These 
lands are the equal of any in Eastern Virginia, if not any in the State, pro- 
ducing fifty bushels of corn per acre, and other grains in proportion, the 
uplands of the county about half so much. 

The surface and soil are varied, and mostly tillable. The river and creek 
bottoms are level, alluvial, fertile and under cultivation. The uplands are 
rolling and less fertile, of a gray and sandy nature, and clay sub-soil. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, , oats, rye tobacco, peanuts and hay. Hay 
is grown in larger quantities than heretofore, especially on the bottom 
lands, and tobacco is raised to great success on the uplands. The farm- 
ing interests of this county are rapidly undergoing a change for the better 
through the advent of northern and western settlers, who are turning their 
attention to the production of butter and milk, grapes, berries, small fruits 
and vegetables for the near by markets of Eichmond, Manchester, and 
Petersburg, and for the northern markets by steamers on James river. 
Chesterfield in former Virginia expositions received the first premium for 
county agricultural products, and the second for timber, wood and mineral. 

This county is peculiarly adapted to the growth of fruits, beautiful vine- 
yards and orchards being established; and on Buckingham ridge, two miles 
north of Midlothian, are well known and successful nurseries, all of which 
are bringing to their owners handsome returns. Trucking is an important 
branch of industry. 

Game and fish of all kinds are abundant. 

Principal minerals are coal, ochre, fire brick clays, Venetian red, marl, 
and granite. This county is celebrated for its inexhaustible mines of 
coal, which have been worked for a long neriod, and constitu f e its chief 
source of wealth; the most important of which are Midlothian, Clover 
Hill, Black Heath, and Winterpock. The last-named is now in full 
operation. The coal fields run entirely across the county, with an average 
width of six to eight miles, and geologists have expressed the opinion that 
the supply of coal is practically inexhaustible. There are thought to be 
thousands of acr?s of undeveloped coal lands still in the county. Ochre is 
successfully worked in the county, giving employment to a number of 
hands. On Appomattox river is operated the largest ochre mine in this 
country; two-thirds of the yellow ochre and the Venetian red consumed in 
the United States come from these mines. On many of the farms brrd°rmg 
the James and the Appomattox rivers immense beds of rich marl are to be 
found. Granite of different varieties is extensively quarried in this coimty, 
the supply of which is inexhaustible, and the quality unsurpassed; as 



104 

is shown by its having been adopted in the building of the City Hall of 
Richmond and the Army and Navy buildings in Washington. The seam 
of granite which marks the limit of tide— ater divides the county into 
two parts, the eastern and smaller section being in Tidewater Virginia. 

The industries and enterprises of Chesterfield are: at Robious station, 
two and a half miles above Bon Air, two large fire brick works ; at Halls 
boro, eighteen miles west of Richmond, there is located a large steam 
tannery, and sumac mills; at Matoaca, four miles north of Petersburg, a 
town of several hundred inhabitants, is located cotton factories, which are 
in successful operation. At Ettrick on the opposite side of the river 
from Petersburg are several large factories, notably a silk factory, em- 
ploying several hundred operatives. Also a very important Chesterfield en- 
terprise and industry, and one that is rapidly growing, is that of the Ar- 
senic and Lithia Springs Company. 

Timber is abundant, embracing about 50 per cent, of the area of the coun- 
ty , large quantities of which are annually manufactured into lumber and 
exported; for which there are most excellent facilities by rail and river. 
The interior of the county abounds in forest of original and second 
growth timber; such as pine, oak, poplar, cedar, hickory, ash, chestnut, 
beach, walnut, willow, mulberry, gum, holly, and persimmon; and along 
Appomattox river extending to City Point are also large forests of more 
valuable timbers. 

The county is well watered, irrigated and drained by the James and Ap- 
pomattox rivers and numerous small streams, which flow through the 
county. Game and fish of all kinds are abundant. 

Railroads are the Richmond and Danville division of the Southern rail- 
way, the Seaboard Air Line, and the Atlantic Coast Line, the Farmville 
and Powhatan, and the Norfolk and Western, traversing every portion of 
the county, north, south, east and west. 

The county roads are fairly good. Two turnpikes penetrate the county, 
the Buckingham turnpike and the Richmond and Petersburg turnpike. 

There are many places of interest and importance in the countv, to which 
allusion should be made. One of the ancient land marks is Salisbury, the 
former residence of Patrick Henry; another, Matoaca, the scene of John 
Randolph's early years; and still another, Warwick, which, prior to the 
Revolution, was* larger than Richmond, and one of the principal shipping 
points on James river. 

Of the important shipping and manufacturing points, Skinquarter, on 
the Farmville and Powhatan railroad, is a thrifty village, at which large 
quantities of pine and oak lumber are shipped; Bermuda Hundred, the 
terminus of the Farmville and Powhatan railroad, is one of the best deep- 
water harbors in the State, accommodating the largest vessels; while at 
Swansboro, adjoining Manchester Citv, are located extensive car-axle works. 
furniture factories, etc. Clover Hill, Ettrick and Matoaca are also vil- 
lages of some manufacturing importance. 

At Chester, midway between Richmond and Petersburg, and itself the 
junction of the Seaboard Air Line, the Atlantic Coast Line and the Farm- 
ville and Powhatan railroads, is a fine deposit of clay, operated by a large 
company; also a large lumber company has been formed here for dressing 
and shipping: lumber; and a large storage and machinery house. The 
Richmond and Petersburg Electric railroad has been completed through 
this village, which unites by electricity the cities of Richmond, Manchester 
and Petersburg. It is the center of numerous railroad lines and systems, 
and is also a pleasant, healthful summer resort. 

Bon Air, and Dry Bridge depot, on the Richmond and Danville railroad, 
are the homes in summer of a large number of Richmond's best citizens. 
There are few places at which there are more of the beauties of nature than 
at Forest Hill Park recently opened. 



105 

The public school system is in a nourishing condition, having over eighty 
public schools; and no section of the county is destitute in this respect. 
There are also a number of high grade schools. The male academies at 
Bon Air and Chester are in a flourishing condition, and the same may be said 
of the female institutes at Chester and Skinquarter. The Virginia Normal 
and Collegiate Institute, founded in 1882, for the higher education of the 
colored youth of the State, is also situated in Chesterfield rear Petersburg, 
and is doing a good work. It receives a liberal annual appropriation from 
the State. 

Churches and postoffices are numerous and conveniently distributed. The 
climate of Chesterfield is salubrious and healthful, the character and morals 
of the people of a high order. 

Population of the county, census of 1900, 18,804. Number of male3 
twenty-one years and over, census of 1900, 4,613. 

Chesterfield, the county seat, is located near the center of the county; 
but the principal town of the county is Manchester, a city of considerable 
importance, situated on the southside of James river, immediately oppo- 
site Richmond, on ground gently gently rising from the river, which gives it 
a very picturesque appearance as reviewed from the Fichmond side, with 
which is connected by electric railway — See Virginia cities. 



CLARKE COUNTY. 

Clarke was formed, in 1836 from Frederick, and named in honor of 
<3eneral George Rogers Clarke, who distinguished himself in the Indian 
and the Revolutionary wars. 

It lies in the center of the Shenandcah valley, in almost the extreme 
northern part of the State, 106 miles northwest of Richmond, and bordering 
on the Maryland line. 

The surface of the central portion of the county, and west of the Shenan- 
doah river is undulating ; the soil limestone, and unsurpassed for fertility 
and productiveness. The land east of the Shenandoah river is mountainous, 
and valuable for its abundance of timbers, such as pine, oak, chestnut, 
hickory, poplar, cedar, and locust, large quantities of which are a nually 
converted into timber for export. Portions of this mountain section pro- 
duce excellent blue grass when cleared, affording fine pasturage for 
sheep and cattle. 

Altogether it may truly be said that, in proportion to its size, this is 
■one of the richest counties in the State. The county is rather below the 
average in size, being about seventeen miles long and ten miles wide, 
with an area of 189 miles. Farms are well improved with buildings and 
fencing, and are in a thorough state of cultivation. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, hay, etc. Special 
attention is given to the wheat crop; the lands being among the finest in 
the State for the production of this grain. All fruits of this latitude are 
grown to great perfection, and large quantities of apples and peaches are 
annually shipped to the near by markets. 

Sumac is a source of considerable income to the inhabitants, growing 
in abundance on the mountain fields. This being a native blue grass sec- 
tion, the raising of cattle is very extensively engaged in, the cities of 
Washington, Baltimore and New York, affording convenient markets for 
their sale. 

Iron ore of the finest quality is found in this county in great abundance, 
and promises to become a very lucrative business ; it has been mined and 
shipped to the furnaces of Pennsylvania. Copper and lead have also been 
found, but are as yet undeveloped. Limestone, for building purposes, ex- 
ists in large quantities. 



106 

Besides numerous lumber plants, there are three leather factories of 
twenty- two horse power situated on the Shenandoah river; also on same 
stream, ten large flour mills, which manufacture fine grades of flour that 
find ready sale in the northern markets. 

The Shenandoah river winds its course along the base of the Blue 
Ridge, and, with its several tributaries — Chapel river, and Opequan and 
Birch creeks — plentifully waters the county. 

The Shenandoah Valley branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad, 
extending from Hagerstown, Maryland, to Boanoke, Virginia, passes through 
the central part of the county from north to south. The Valley branch o* 
the Baltimore and Ohio railroad extends through the northwest part, and 
the Washington and Ohio railroad, when completed, will pass through 
from east to west; thus bringing the county into communication with all 
the different sections of the country. 

Everything conspires to make this a very highly favored section of the 
State, with its intelligent, enterprising population, its healthful climate, 
fine water, numerous public schools, and churches of the various denomina- 
tions. 

Total population of county, census of 1900, 7,927. Total males twenty- 
one years and over, census of 1900, 1,904. 

Berryville, the county seat, is a thriving, growing town of 938 inhabit- 
ants, census of 1900. It is located on the Shenandoah Valley railroad, 
a little north of the center of the county. It has a newspaper, bank, public 
school, university school for boys, and eight churches; also a large number 
of mercantile and manufacturing establishments, and streets well graded 
and paved. Since the completion of the railroad, Berryville has experi- 
enced great activity in business, having become one of the most important 
stations on the road. Surrounded by a rich and fertile country, with four 
macadamized roads centering in the town, it thus receives nearly all the 
staples of the country, and, at the same time, has fine roads for drives in 
every direction. 

Other villages of the county are Millwood, Boyce and Whitepos.t. 



CRAIG COUNTY. 

Craig county was formed in 1850 from Botetourt, Boanoke, Giles and Mon- 
roe, and borders on the State of West Virginia, from which it is separated 
by the Alleghany mountains. It is located in Southwestern Virginia, 145 
miles west of Richmond. Though the smallest of the southwestern coun- 
ties, it is by no means the least important, containing an area of 351 
square miles. Lands are fertile and well kept, varying from light 
sandy to clay, of limestone formation, and peculiarly adapted to the 
growth of rich grasses. Accordingly we find here a pastoral people, who 
have, for a number of years, made the raising of live stock the principal in- 
dustry of the county, annually shipping to the eastern markets a large 
number of fine horses, cattle and sheep, many of the cattle being high-grade 
short horns. The surface of the county is to a considerable extent rugged 
and mountainous, but there are some very fertile valleys that challenge 
comparison with the best sections of the State, notably, Sinking Creek 
valley, which is 20 miles long and about 4 miles wide, of limestone for- 
mation, covered with a rich blue grass sward, and is one of the finest stock 
raising sections of the State. The staple agricultural products, such as 
wheat, corn, oats, etc., are also successfully grown, and considerable atten- 
tion is paid to the raising of poultry, especially turkeys, of which large 
numbers are annually shipped from the county. All the fruits and vege- 
tables common to this latitude are grown with the best results. 

Minerals consist mainly of iron, manganese and slate. Indications of 
silver have been found, and fine pottery and brick clays are abundant. The 
Manganese Iron & Coal Company own 20,000 acres of land lying in Craig 



107 



and Montgomery counties, extending from Craig City along the slope 
of Craig mountain for a distance of 25 miles, and along the Johns Creek 
mountain a distance of about 17 miles. It thus embraces the outcrop- 
pings of all these great ore-bearing formations for a distance of about 40 
miles. The various ores yield from 40 to 60 per cent, of metallic iron, 
the average being fully 50 per cent, lower in phosphorus and containing 
no injurious substances. The supply of manganese is inexhaustible and 
of excellent quality. 

The mineral resources of this region were known more than a century 
ago, and many years ago furnaces of the most primitive character existed. 
Considerable business is being done in the shipment of ores by rail, to dis- 
tant, as well as near by furnaces. 




SHIPPING A CAR LOAD OF WINTER LAMBS. 



The timber of this section is noted for its fine quality, large portions 
of the county being covered with original forests of oak, hickory, ash, 
poplar, pine, maple, walnut, sycamore, wild cherry, beech, etc. Numerous 
eawmills are in operation. 

The growth of sugar maple is very extensive, from which is produced the 
finest syrup and maple sugar, a considerable quantity of which is shipped 
to the markets. 

Game of all kinds is abundant, from the chipmunk to the black bear, 
and from the partridge to the wild turkey, making it a huntsman's para- 
dise. Its railroad is the Craig Valley branch of the Chesapeake & Ohio. 
The streams are Potts, Johns, Sinking and Craig creeks, and their tribu 
taries. 

Total population, census of 1900, 4,293 ; increase since 1890, 458. Number 
of males twenty-one years and over, 991. 

The inhabitants are prosperous, thrifty and law-abiding. Educational 



108 

advantages are much improved, receiving more than ordinary attention. 
Several religious denominations are represented, and churches numerous 
and convenient. 

New Castle is the county seat, and most important town in the county. 
It is located on the Craig Valley branch of the C. & O. R. R. at the con- 
fluence of Craig and Johns creeks at the foot of North mountain. .Popu- 
lation of oOO, an increase of 85 since last census. Daily mail by rail 
and also to Salem on the N. & \v. R. R., 23 miles distant. It has a 
newspaper, bank, public school, academic school, and three churches. 
Iron mining could be conducted here with profit, also manufactures, which 
will be heartily welcomed and promoted by its citizens. 



CULPEPER, COUNTY. 

Culpeper was formed in 1748 from Orange, and named in honor of Lord 
Culpeper, Governor of the Colony for three years, from 1680. It is sepa- 
rated from Fauquier by the Rappahannock river, and is one of the north- 
ern counties of the Piedmont region, though not wholly of that region, 
the lower portion running down into Middle Virginia; hence its surface is 
less rugged than that of some of the other Piedmont counties, and by the 
U. S. Reports it is in point of health second only to Asheville, in the 
whole country. It is 102 miles northwest of Richmond. Altitude 403 feet. 

Surface generally rolling, but several detached mountains or spurs, in 
portions of the county, give it a very picturesque and attractive appear- 
ance. Soil is red clay, chocolate, and sometimes sandy, producing fine 
crops of wheat, rye, corn, oats and hay. Culpeper raises annually about 
500,000 bushels of Indian corn, and has had the reputation of producing 
the largest quantity of broom corn of any county in the State. It has 
also one of the best and most general telephone systems in the State. 
Fruits of all kinds, especially apples, succeed well along the mountain 
slopes. Much attention is paid to stock raising, and the breeds of cattle, 
horses and hogs have been greatly improved since the war by the introduc- 
tion of much thoroughbred stock, which has gained for the county an en- 
viable reputation for the superior quality of her live stock. 

The farm lands of this section have attracted considerable attention 
during the past few years, and several farmers from the north have re- 
cently purchased and moved to this locality, the increase of population 
showing an advance movement in this respect. 

Population, census of 1900, 14,123; increase since census of 1890, 890; 
males twenty-one years of age and over, 3,219; area 399 square miles; 
average price of improved farm lands, $18.00 per acre; average assessed 
value of lands, $10.00 per acre. 

About one-third of the county is in original timber, oak and pine, oak 
predominating. Although this county was the camping ground of both 
armies for much of the Civil War, and therefore denuded of much of its 
timber, the destruction in this respect is scarcely visible at this time, 
so rapid has been the second growth. The timbers are being utilized in 
the manufacture of chairs, barrel staves, spokes, spools, and railroad ties, 
plow beams, etc. There are also numerous grain and saw mills, and several 
tanneries. 

The minerals of this county are gold (heavy quartz), copper, iron, 
mica, marble and fire clay, but they have been but slightly developed. The 
gold mines have been favorably reported on by distinguished mineralogists 
and mineral experts, and some have been developed and worked. 

The water courses of the county are the Rappahannock, Rapidan, and 
Hazel rivers and their tributaries, which afford abundant water for agri- 
cultural purposes and fine water power. 



109 

The Southern railroad traverses the county from northeast to south- 
west, furnishing most excellent transportation facilities. There is also a 
good turnpike extending from the county seat to Sperryville, Rappa- 
hannock county. The character of the public roads is fair, with a dispo- 
sition to improvement. 

Public schools and churches are numerous and convenient. Culpeper, 
the county seat, is located near the center of the county, on the Virginia 
Midland division of the Southern railway, and has a population, cen- 
sus of 1900, of 1,618, now 1,800. It has a good trade with the surrounding 
country, and is one of the most thrifty and enterprising towns in the State. 
Besides other attractions, there are two newspapers, three banks, public 
schools, five churches, foundry, flouring mill, and water works. The past 
year has been active in the development of new enterprises and improve- 
ments, such as a very efficient sub-sewerage system, metalling and macadam- 
izing the streets, a bakery, barrel factory, machine shop, two livery and 
feed stables, numerous fine rental dwellings and handsome residential 
houses, also a splendid new Masonic temple. 



CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 

This county, formed from Goochland in 1748, lies on the south side of 
James river and extends to Appomattox river. It is 38 miles west of 
Richmond. Dimensions, 30 miles long, and about 10 miles wide. Area 297 
square miles. Price of land, very reasonable, but can be made to pay 
well. Lands lie well for farming, and yield well, especially those on the 
rivers, which are very fertile. Surface, to a considerable extent, level, 
the balance is undulating. Soil, gray loam, with red clay subsoil, capable 
of being made very productive. 

Farm products are tobacco, wheat, corn, oats, rye, buckwheat, cotton, and 
sorghum; clover also grows well, but the most important and profitable in- 
dustry is tobacco growing. Fruits and vegetables of the usual varieties 
are successfully produced, such as apples, pears, peaches, apricots, plums, 
tomatoes, sweet and Irish potatoes, cabbage, etc. 

Grazing facilities are fairly good, but probably the most profitable in- 
dustry in that line is sheep husbandry, which is being very sucessfully fol- 
lowed. There is still much of the original growth of timber in the county, 
such as oak of various kinds, hickory, walnut, pine, poplar, ash, etc. 

Minerals are found to some extent, the principal of which is coal. Fine 
mineral springs have recently been discovered, from which, within a few 
feet of each other, flow lithia, sulphur, chalybeate, and magnesia water. 
Rivers are the James, Appomattox and Willis rivers, which afford abundant 
water power, and fish of many varieties. 

Railroads are the Chesapeake and Ohio on the northern, and Norfolk 
and Western on the southern borders, with the Farmville and Powhatan 
railroad running through county, a distance of 30 miles from Powhatan 
county line on the northeast to Farmville on the southeast. 

Manufactories and industries are tobacco, tan bark, fertilizer, sassafras 
oil, flouring and saw mills. Farmville, in Prince Edward county, a thriv- 
ing town of about 3,000 inhabitants, is the principal market for the pro- 
ducts of the county. Church, school and mail facilities are very good and 
convenient, with numerous free schools, several graded schools, and daily 
mail to all parts of county, and telephone service in southern portion. 

Total population of county, census of 1900, 8,996; males twenty-one years 
and over, 1,915. 



110 

Considerable progress is shown in tue improvement of the lands and pub* 
lie roads of the county, and in financial conditions, which are very favor- 
able; and with a climate mild and healthful, water good and abundant, 
and lands capable of high state of improvement at small cost, and 
adapted to almost all the fruits and staple crops grown in the State, there 
is much to invite the home seeker and others seeking investment. 

Cumberland, the county seat, located about the center of the county, 
on the Farmville & Powhatan railroad, has shown considerable improve- 
ment in the past two or three years, in the establishment of a tobacco 
warehouse and stemmery, both of which are to be enlarged and others 
built. 

Cartersville, on James river, is a thriving town of about 200 inhabitants, 
at which much of the tobacco of the county is bought, and is a principal 
shipping point for its products. 

Several smart villages have recently sprung into importance, while 
with new settlers coming in and old ones improving their farms, much 
improvement is observable, and the general outlook for the county is 
very promising. Its altitude is 474 feet. 



DICKENSON COUNTY. 

Dickenson is a small county, and a comparatively new one, having been 
formed in the year 1880 from the counties of Wise, Buchanan and Rus- 
sell, and named in honor of William J. Dickenson, who was, at that time, 
a member of the House of Delegates from Russell. It is situated in the 
extreme western section of the State, 395 miles west from Richmond. Its 
altitude is 1,800 feet. 

The surface of its borders is very rugged, having the Cumberland moun- 
tains on the north, separating it from Kentucky, and also a range of 
mountains on the eastern border; but the central and. valley portion is com- 
paratively level, with much fertile land. The climate is healthful and 
invigorating; the average temperature being 52.4° F., rainfall 60.1. The 
soil varies in texture, but is principally sandy. 

The county contains an area of 324 square miles, 313,597 acres. It has 
700 farms averaging, in size, 225 acres each. Lands range in price from 
$2.00 to $20.00 per acre, the average price per acre of improved farm lands 
being $15.00. The averaged assessed value of land is $1.50 per acre. 

This is one of the best counties in the State for investors, as the prices 
of lands are comparatively low, and the resources of the county as y<e& 
undeveloped. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, rye, oats, millet, tobacco, potatoes, 
sorghum, and buckwheat; also vegetables and fruits are grown to a 
considerable extent. Stock and grazing facilities are fairly good, the 
wild range excellent in some sections. Being in the great grazing region 
of the southwest, a considerable portion of the county has, naturally, 
good grass lands. Timbers, of most valuable kind and superior quality, 
are found here in great abundance. A very large portion of the county, 
probably three-fourths of its area, is in original forest of oak, hickory, 
poplar, walnut, elm, ash, maple, wild cherry, cucumber, pine, and hem- 
lock. There are numerous sawmills in the county, and much lumber 
is cut and hauled to various points on the Norfolk and Western rail- 
road, and considerable logging done, the logs being floated down the 
waters of the Big Sandy river to Cincinnati and other points. There is 
an abtmdance of coal and iron, besides many mineral springs ci great 
medicinal value, The wealth of the county in fine bituminous, splint 
and cannel coals, is unsurpassed by the same area anywhere, but is as 



Ill 

yet unworked. The streams of the county are Pound, Cranes Nest, 
and Russell Fork rivers, and MeClure's creek, which flow north, through 
breaks of the Cumberland mountains, into the Ohio. Some of these 
streams afford splendid water power, but it has not been utilized. In 
many places on these streams the scenery is very imposing; especially 
that on Russell Fork river, in the deep canyon at the breaks of the Cum- 
berland mountains in the northern end of the county. 

There is no railroad in the county, though several lines have been sur- 
veyed. 

The financial condition of the county is very satisfactory, with very 
little, or no, county debt. 

In church and mail facilities the conditions are favorable, and improv- 
ing as the county is developed. Progress and general advancement, has been 
very marked within the last few years, as is evidenced by the large in- 
crease in population. 

Population, census of 1900, 7,747. Increase since census of 1890, 2,670. 
Males twenty-one years and over, census of 1900, 1,521. 

Clintwood, the county seat, is located in the western part of the county. 
When the county was first formed, the county seat was located at Lving- 
ton on MeClure's creek; but afterwards, in 1882, by act of legislature, 
it was removed to its present location in Holly Creek valley, and named 
Clintwood in honor of State Senator Clint Wood. It is the largest town 
in the county, and by census of 1900 has a population of 225. It is lo- 
cated in a very beautiful, fertile valley, with several fine mineral springs 
in and around the town, and, besides the courthouse building, contains 
several churches, hotels, boarding-houses, schools, newspaper, etc. The 
courthouse building is one of the best in Southwest Virginia. Coeburn. 
in Wise county, 20 miles distant on the Norfolk and Western railroad, is 
the nearest railroad station, and with this town it has telephone con- 
nection. It can also be reached from Cleveland station on the same road. 



DINWIDDIE COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Prince George in 1752, and named in 
honor of Robert Dinwiddie, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 1752 to 
1758. 

It is situated at the head of tidewater, between the Appomattox and 
Nottoway rivers, twenty-two miles south of Richmond, and has an area 
of 521 square miles, one-third of which is cultivated. It? farms average 
160 acres each. 

The surface is, in some parts, undulating, but mostly level. The soil, 
light gray in the southern and eastern parts, red stiff clay loam in other 
portions, is very fertile, especially on the river courses, and in the vicinity 
of Petersburg. 

The principal farm products are tobacco, cotton and peanuts. The 
grains, rye, oats, wheat, and corn, are grown to some extent, especially 
the latter. Clover and otner grasses do well, and yield good crops of 
hay Avhen seeded on the creek and river bottoms, or on improved lands. 
Potatoes likewise, both sweet and Irish, melons, berries, and vegetables 
of all kinds, grow in abundance, and render trucking an exceedingly profit- 
able industry to the farmers, especially in the eastern portion of the 
county and in the vicinity of Petersburg, where market and shipping fa- 
cilities are so extensive and convenient. 

Transportation facilities are excellent, and are furnished by the Sea- 
board Air Line, the Atlantic Coast Line, and the Norfolk and Western 
railways; also water navigation by the Appomattox river above and 
below the city of Petersburg, extending to James river and to the sea. 



11*2 



Mineral products are iron ore, marl, and granite, in abundance and 
of the finest quality. The timbers are pine, oak, poplar, walnut, hickory, 
ash, gum, and maple, the greater portion of which is second growth. 
Numerous sawmills are in operation in the county. The Appomattox 
river on the northern boundary, and the Nottoway river on the southern, 
with their numerous tributaries, furnish ample water supply and drain- 
age, and are also well stocked with fish of the usual varieties. The cli- 
mate is mild and healthful, and the water plentiful and good. 

All sections of the county are well supplied with churches of the va- 
rious denominations. The public schools are in a flourishing condition, 
with comfortable school buildings and competent teachers. 

The Central Lunatic Asylum, for colored patients exclusively, is located 
in this county near Petersburg. It was founded in Richmond in 1870; 
but subsequently, in 1885, was removed to its present location. It is one 
of the largest asylums for coloreu lunatics in the United States. 

Mail facilities are ample, and the financial condition of the county very 
favorable. 

Dinwiddie, the county seat, is located near the center of the county, 
twelve miles southwest from Petersburg, on the Virginia and Carolina 
railroad. It has several churches, a public school, and a fraternal order. 

Population, independent of Petersburg, census of 1900, 15,374. In- 
crease since census of 1890, 1,859. Number of males twenty-one years- 
and over, 3,924. 



ELIZABETH CITY COUNTY. 

Elizabeth City county was one of the original shires into which Vir- 
ginia was divided in 1634, and Queen Elizabeth is the derivation of the 
name. It is situated at the southeastern extremity of Virginia's great 
peninsula, on Chesapeake bay, and at the mouth of James river, bordering 
upon the historic Hampton Roads, sixty-five miles southeast from Rich- 
mond. 

Its form is nearly a square of seven miles on a side. With the excep- 
tion of Alexandria, it is the smallest county in the State, having an area 
of fifty square miles, one-half of which is in cultivation. Averaged as- 
sessed value, $70.00 per acre. The surface is level, and the soil varies from 
light and sandy, to rich alluvial, much of it being highly fertile. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, hay, and potatoes. Vegetables 
and fruits do well, especially the smaller fruits, berries, etc. Poultry rais- 
ing receives a great deal of attention and finds a very remunerative home 
market. Trucking is a very important industry in the county; but per- 
haps the most profitable industry of the county is its fish, crab and oyster 
business. These abound in inexhaustible quantities, and of the finest quality, 
in the surrounding waters, and give profitable employment to a large num- 
ber of the inhabitants. Wild fowl — geese, ducks, swans, etc., — are also 
found in large numbers on the streams. ILere is very little stock (other 
than that for dairy purposes) raised in the county. 

The Chesapeake and Ohio railroad and different lines of electric railway 
afford ample facilities of travel and transportation, and the county, being 
almost surrounded by navigable waters, is in daily communication, by 
steamers, with Richmond, Norfolk, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, 
and New York, affording excellent market advantages for its products. 

The interior water supply and drainage are furnished by Back river 
and Hampton creek. Manufactories consist of sawmills, iron foundry, 
and shoe, sash and blind, and oil factories. 

The climate is temperate, delightful, and generally healthful. Churches 
of the various Protestant denominations and most excellent public schools 



113 

are well distributed over the county. Telephone and free delivery, mail 
facilities are ample, public roads good, and the financial condition of the 
county excellent. 

Population, census of 1900, 19,460. Increase since census of 1890, 3,292. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, census of 1900, 7,831. 

Hampton, the county seat, and most important town, is a flourishing 
place, within the corporate limits (large suburbs), of 3.441 inhabitants, 
census of 1900, and shows an increase of population, since last census, 
of 928. It is beautifully situated in the southern part of the county, on 
a branch of Hampton Roads, eighty miles from Richmond, and fifteen 
miles across the Roads from Norfolk and Portsmouth. 

Its numerous railway and steamship lines, having direct connection with 
the larger cities of the north and south, afford exceptionally good trans- 
portation facilities. The climate is remarkably fine, and water good and 
abundant, supplied from wells, cisterns, and public water Avorks. 

It is well supplied with schools, handsome church buildings and fra- 
ternal orders, newspaper, two banks, and good hotels. The streets are 
paved with shells and have brick sidewalks. The_town has a most excellent 
municipal government, and fire and police departments. 

Located here is the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, an 
institution for the education and training of negroes and Indians, with a 
capacity of about seven hundred students, and an efficient corps of teachers 
and professors. It was opened in 1868, and incorporated in 1870, being 
the first permanent school for freedmen in the south. It is aided by both 
the State and National governments, but is dependent upon voluntary do- 
nations for the greater part of its support. 

Other institutions of learning, located here, are the Hampton Female 
College, and the Syms-Eaton free school, both in successful operation. 
Two fine public school buildings have recently been erected here, also num- 
bers of other handsome buildings, notably the Bank of Hampton building, 
constructed at a cost of about $100,000. 

Truck farming in the immediate vicinity is an important factor to that 
section. 

Hampton is one of America's most conspicuous towns from an historical 
point of view — conspicuous as being next to the oldest town in the United 
States, and as having a frontage on the greatest harbor known to the 
world, in which occurred (near by) the great battle between the Monitor 
and the Merrimac. 

Having been destroyed three times by fire, owing to the terrible vicis- 
situdes of three of America's most notable wars, Hampton has risen 
Phoenix-like from the ashes of calamity, and by her thrift, energy and pros- 
perity, proclaims that the end is not yet, in the history of the "Old Game 
Cock Town" of Virginia's peninsular district. 

Phoebus, another important town of the county, by census of 1900 has 
s, population of 2,094. Several handsome buildings have recently been 
erected here, embracing residence and business houses, church, schoolhouse 
and hotel. 

Other points of great interest in the county are Old Point Comfort, For- 
tress Monroe and the National Soldiers' Home. 

The former is situated at the junction of Chesapeake bay with Hampton 
Roads, and three miles from the town of Hampton, with which it has elec- 
tric railway connection, it got its name from Captain Christopher Newport, 
who found it a safe haven during a severe storm — the "Old" being added to 
distinguish it from New Point Comfort, a few miles away. It is one of the 
most fashionable and popular resorts on the Atlantic coast, and is es- 
pecially attractive for its fine bathing, boating and fishing. 
8 



115 

Near by is Fortress Monroe, commanding the approach to Hampton 
Roads, and at which is stationed the United States school of artillery. 

The National Soldiers' Home for disabled volunteer soldiers is located 
near Hampton. It has beautiful grounds and buildings, and expends an- 
nually one and a half million dollars, much of which benefits the county. 



ESSEX COUNTY. 

This county was formed from (old) Rappahannock m 1692, the records 
of the original county remaining in its archives. It is a northeastern county, 
thirty-five miles below Fredericksburg, on the Rappahannock river. About 
twenty miles of its lower river front is in the famous oyster section, which 
produces as fine oysters as any section of the State. 

This county was once the seat of great wealth, and by well directed 
enterprise and energy could be still readily restored to its former affluence 
and importance. 

Dimensions of county are as follows: about thirty-five miles long and 
six miles wide; area 277 square miles. 

The lands are fertile and easily cultivated, and, being smooth, with no 
stone, all improved agricultural machinery can be used to advantage. 

Physical aspects of the county are the same as in the tidewater country 
generally, the surface principally level, or slightly rolling. Soil is sandy 
loam, with clay subsoil. The river lands are very good, and when properly 
drained are very productive and valuable. On the Dragon Swamp lands, 
which separate Essex from King and Queen, are fine wheat lands with 
a heavy tenacious soil of great fertility. The lands of the county respond 
readily to any effort at improvement, and there is no part of the State 
where farming can be engaged in with better prospects of success. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, oats and hay. Trucking also forms a 
very important item of agriculture in this county. The extra early 
English pea grows to great perfection. Several thousand acres in the 
eastern part of the county are annually cultivated in these peas. Potatoes 
also, and other vegetables, with dairy products, are sources of much reve- 
nue. This county is well adapted to the growth of fruit, such as peaches, 
apples, pears, and the smaller fruits. There are some very fine peach and 
apple orchards in the county, — some of the former numbering as many as 
10,000 or 12,000 trees each — the products of which are shipped in large quan- 
tities, bringing the highest prices in the northern markets, or disposed of 
to the several canneries in the county. Clover and other grasses grow 
Teadily, and interest in these products has greatly increased, indicating 
an improved condition of farming. 

Growing and fattening live stock for market (especially cattle) is very 
profitable. Owing to the mild winters they are fed with much less expense 
than in the colder sections of the State, and numbers of native-grown 
cattle, weighing 1,500 pounds for three year olds, are sold every year for 
export; but perhaps the greater portion of the cattle of the county are 
shipped to the Baltimore market. 

The Rappahannock river is well supplied with fish and oysters. The 
shad and herring fisheries, especially, are very valuable, employing many 
men and vessels. 

The county is well watered and drained by the Rappahannock river, 
and its numerous tributaries, some of which are navigable; and while there 
are no railroads in the county, this deficiency is amply supplied by river 
navigation, both by steam and sail vessels, and the best of markets made 
accessible by a very low rate of freight, wheat and corn being carried to 
Baltimore, or Norfolk, for three cents per bushel. Passenger traffic as well 



1 




1 ■ - ■ 




117 

as freight is amply supplied by a line of steamers from Baltimore and 
Norfolk to Fredericksburg, fifty-five miles above Tappahannock, the county 
seat. 

About fifty per cent, of the county is under cultivation, and the bal- 
ance embraces considerable quantities of timber, in oak, pine, elm, ash, 
poplar and chestnut. Some few lumber mills are in operation. 

A general summary of the county embraces numerous attractions and ad- 
vantages, not heretofore enumerated; such as an excellent telephone sys- 
tem over the county; superior educational advantages and mail facilities; 
churches, numerous and convenient, of the several denominations; health 
good, and water as fine as any in the State, being freestone from wells 
and from springs sometimes impregnated with iron, and also from artesian 
wells, giving pure water in abundance; financial condition favorable, and 
progress and general advancement abreast of any of the neighboring counties; 
brineries have become a profitable industry. Additional advantages are ita 
mild climate, and its cheap and easy living; its abundance of fish in the 
rivers, wild fowls in the creeks and marshes, and probably as much game 
of all kinds as can be found in any other portion of the State. 

When the tide of immigration reaches its normal conditions, this will 
be found to be one of the finest counties in the State in which to locate 
new and desirable homes at very moderate prices. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 9,701. Number of males twenty-one 
years and over, 2,164. 

Tappahannock, the county seat, is a port of entry for the district, and has 
a population, by census of 1900, of 554, an increase of 102 since census of 
1890. It is located on the Rappahannock river, in the northeast part of the 
county, and contains several public schools, churches, a bank, newspaper, 
large sumac mill, canning factory, foundry and machine shops. Its 
water supply is from artesian wells, and the town is laid off on the 
same plan and same day, as Philadelphia. Other towns of the county are 
Loretta and Dunnsville. 



FAIRFAX COUNTY. 

Fairfax county was formed from Prince William in 1742, and named in 
honor of Lord Fairfax. It lies on the west bank of the Potomac river. 
The eastern portion of the county is in the immediate vicinity of the 
cities of Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria. It is situated in the 
northeastern portion of the State 78 miles north of Richmond, and con- 
tains an area of 433 square miles; generally in a high state of cultivation, 
with nice commodious buildings. The altitude is 382 feet. 

Lands near Washington City are high, but in the interior of the county 
good farms can be bought at from $20.00 to $40.00 per acre. The surface of 
the county is generally rolling, and smooth, nine-tenths of which is arable. 
A variety of soils exist; in some sections sandy, but generally red clay. 
The lands throughout the county are generally good; in some parts very 
fertile and capable of a high state of cultivation. 

Farm products, already very large, are rapidly increasing, and consist 
principally of corn, wheat, oats, rye, hay, fruits, dairy, and vegetables. 
The cultivation of wheat has increased immensely. Fruit culture is an 
important industry in the covmty, and is being rapidly developed. Ap- 
ples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries, quinces, and grapes, are grown in great 
abundance and of the latter there are vineyards of over 100 acres. Fair- 
fax has formerly stood at the head of the list of counties in the value of or- 
chard products. 

The dairy business is conducted on an extensive scale, and has enor- 
mously increased within recent years, until the daily shipments of milk and 



118 

cream to Washington and Georgetown amount to over 4,000 gallons. 
There are also several butter and cheese factories in the county. Poultry 
raising and market gardening are largely engaged in, and are sources of 
much revenue. Its proximity to Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria, 
insures a convenient and ready market for all the products of the farm, 
dairy and garden. 

The fish industry in the Potomac and small streams gives employment 
and remuneration to quite a large number of people. The raising of 
cattle, sheep and hogs is carried on to a considerable extent, and is quite 
profitable. 

The transportation facilities of the county are of the very best, there 
being hardly a place more than six or eight miles from some one or other 
of the several railroads which traverse the county, or from the Potomac 
river which bounds two sides of the county, and is navigable for large 
vessels as far as Washington. Several steam and electric railways connect 
this county with Washington, and attract a considerable population to the 
numerous and convenient suburbs. 

Red sandstone and gray granite are found in considerable deposits, in 
various sections of the county, as are also gold, iron, copper, asbestos, 
and soapstone; but are not developed to any large extent. The Theodora 
Copper Mine is in this county. Timber — generally pine, with some oak, 
poplar, and chestnut — is found, especially in the southern part of the 
county. Water and drainage' is amply furnished by the Potomac and Oc- 
coquan rivers and their tributaries, but no important water power is 
found, except at the great falls of the Potomac. The climate is tem- 
perate and salubrious; the water soft, pure, and sometimes impregnated 
with iron; health excellent. 

Educational advantages consist of the public free schools, the Episcopal 
High School, the Theological Seminary, and convenient access to the 
schools of Washington and those of Alexandria. Churches and mail 
facilities are numerous and convenient. Financial condition of the county 
is very favorable, and telephone service is very good, having direct commu- 
nication with Washington and Alexandria. 

There is a steady and very marked progress and advancement in this 
county year by year, as is evidenced by the large increase in population; 
many families from the northern and western States having settled in 
the county since the war. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 18,580. Increase since census of 
1890, 1,925. Number of males twenty-one years and over, census of 
1900, 4,865. 

Fairfax, the county seat, is located in the center of the county, midway 
between the main line, and the Washington and Bluemont branch of the 
Southern railway and about six miles from each. It is a thriving inland 
village of 373 inhabitants, with streets well graded and paved, several 
public and private schools, churches, Masonic lodges, carriage and wagon 
factory, etc. 

Centerville, another village of some importance, is located on the extreme 
border of the county, and near the famous battlefield of Manassas. 

Other towns in the county are Falls Church, with population of 1.007, — 
an increase since census of 18tJ of 215; Herndon, population of 692; 
Vienna, a population of 317. These are thriving villages situated on the 
Washington and Falls Church railroad. 

Mount Vernon, the beautiful home and burial place of Washington, is 
situated in this county on the banks of the Potomac, eight miles below 
Alexandria and fifteen miles from Washington City, from which latter 
place a steamer visits Mount Vernon daily. There is also an electric rail- 
way connecting it with Alexandria and Washington. The grounds are in 
charge of the Mount Vernon Association, and are visited by thousands of 
persons from all parts of the world. 



119 

FAUQUIER COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1759 from Prince William, and named in 
honor of Francis Fauquier, who was governor from 1758 to 1767. 

This is a northern county, 63 miles, air line, north of Richmond. It 
lies at the upper waters of the Rappahannock river, which separates it from 
Culpeper and Rappahannock on the west, and at the foot of the Blue Ridge 
mountains on the northwest, which separate it from Warren. 

Besides the Blue Ridge, there are several other mountain ranges in the 
county, the principal of which are the Carter's and Bull Run, which form 
a chain through its central part north and south. 

The length is 45 miles, mean breadth 16 miles, area 676 square mile?. 
The surface is gently rolling, and in some portions quite hilly, but with 
considerable level land. About eighty per cent, of the county is under 
cultivation, and, having been judiciously managed, is generally in a high 
state of improvement. The soil in most part is very fertile, especially the 
noted greenstone lands, which constitute the richest part of this productive 
county. 

Farm products are wheat, corn (in the production of which it is sec- 
ond in the State), oats, hay, peas, beans, potatoes, and vegetables 
of all kinds. The productions of the county furnish a large surplus for 
the markets. The usual fruits adapted to this latitude, such as apples, 
peaches, pears, cherries, and the smaller fruits, succeed admirably, and are 
being largely grown; also the grape is being successfully cultivated, especi- 
ally on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge mountains. The most im- 
portant products of the county are the cereals and grasses, but stock rais- 
ing ranks as the chief industry. 

This is essentially a pastoral county, being so thoroughly watered, and 
the soil so well adapted to the growth of all the grasses, especially the 
nutritious blue grass, which grows spontaneously, and is so valuable in 
the production of the fine cattle, for which this county is so noted in the 
market of Washington, Baltimore and the cities farther north, as well as 
in the export markets of Europe. 

This county is very favorably situated as to markets, with its splen- 
did railroad service, north and south, affording quick, easy and cheap 
transportation to the near by cities of Alexandria, Washington and Balti- 
more. Its railroads are the Manassas and the Warrenton branches of the 
Southern railway. 

The mineral formations of this county are various, embracing gold, iron, 
copper, asbestos, marble, slate, sandstone, and granite; several of which 
are mined and quarried. Timber is good, consisting principally of oak, 
hickory, chestnut and poplar. There is an unusually large number of 
sawmills in operation in this county, also spoke mills, and other small fac- 
tories. 

Fauquier is abundantly watered by the Rappahannock and Occoquan 
rivers, and other small streams, Avhich also afford splendid water power 
for all kinds of manufacturing purposes. 

The climate is delightful, especially in summer, not objectionably severe 
in winter, very healthful, and free from all malarious diseases or fevers. 
Water is freestone and very abundant, never-failing springs and wells on 
almost every tract. 

There are churches of all Protestant denominations throughout the 
county. Mail facilities ample, and public schools numerous and of a 
high order, also several academies of excellent standing. 

Warrenton, the chief town and county seat, 365 feet above sea level, 
is located on the Warrenton branch of the Southern railway, and is 
the center of a refined and intelligent community. It has a population, by 
census of 1900, of 1,627, which is an increase of 281 since census of 1890. 



120 

It has numerous churches, schools, also newspapers, lodges of Odd Fellows 
and Masons, a bank and a steam grist mill. Near by is the Warrenton 
White Sulphur Springs, a popular pleasure and health resort. 

There are several other thriving villages in the county; among them Up- 
perville, with a population of 376; Remington, population 198; Paris, 
Summerville, Markham, The Plains, New Baltimore, Marshal, Rectortown, 
Midland and Bealeton. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 23,374. Increase since census of 
1890, 784. Number of males twenty-one years and over, census of 1900, 
5,369. 

Fauquier ranks high, as regards quality of soil, beauty of scenery, 
healthfulness, and general prosperity; having, among its farmers, some of 
the most sucessful and prosperous in the State. 



FLOYD COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1831 from Montgomery, and named in honor 
of John Floyd, then Governor of Virginia, and lies between the Blue 
Ridge and Alleghany mountain ranges, near the southern border of the 
State, 225 miles southwest from Richmond. 

It is thirty-eight miles long with a mean width of eighteen miles, and 
contains an area of 383 square miles. 

Its surface is rolling and in some parts mountainous, with about one-half 
in cultivation. Soil is very productive, and well adapted to grain and 
grass, and though the lands are in many places very steep, they are not too 
much so to be conveniently cultivated. Little river and its tributaries 
have many fine farming tracts, also Burks Fork; and though the lands of 
this latter section are generally steep, much of the land of the county is 
excellent, and susceptible of a high state of cultivation. 

Products are tobacco, wheat, corn, oats, rye, buckwheat, hay, cabbage, 
potatoes. It stands at the head of the list of counties of the State 
for buckwheat, and is a large producer of rye and tobacco. Orchard and 
dairy products are large and valuable. It is especially adapted to the 
growth of apples, which rarely fail of a full crop; also peaches, pears, 
cherries, grapes, plums, etc., do well. The lands are Avell adapted to the 
growth of all the grasses; clover does well, and red top or herd's grass, 
and blue grass grow spontaneously, affording splendid pasturage for the 
many fine horses, cattle and sheep, raised in the county. In the west end, 
on the waters of Burnet's and Greasy creeks, are the largest areas of 
grass lands; and upon these considerable herds of cattle are grazed, and 
wintered annually. 

There is no railroad nearer than Wenty miles — the nearest being the 
Norfolk and Western, which passes through the adjoining counties of 
Montgomery and Pulaski. One is under contemplation and partly con- 
structed, from Radford to this county, and doubtless will be completed in 
the near future. 

The mineral wealth of this county is undoubtedly of great value, and 
only awaits the advent of transportation facilities to stimulate its de- 
velopment. Nearly every part of its surface indicates the presence of its 
ores; such as gold, silver, iron, copper, lead, manganese, asbestos, plum- 
bago, arsenic and soapstone; and some are already attracting special atten- 
tion looking to their development. 

Many sections of the county are still covered with a fine virgin for- 
est, embracing about one-half of the area of the county. The more valu- 
able species are walnut, poplar, oak, hickory, ash, pine, maple, and chest- 
nut. These timbers are being rapidly converted into lumber by the numer- 
ous sawmills in operation in the county. 



121 

Abundant water and drainage is furnished by Little river and its 
iramerous tributaries, and the tributaries of Reed Island creek. On these 
streams are many points of beautiful, romantic scenery, which will form 
one of the most attractive features of the county when more accessible 
to the outside world. Little river also affords fine water power. On the 
southwest fork, near the county seat, is situated one of the finest flouring 
mills in the State, and in every part of the county, at intervals of a few 
miles, there are water powers, either in use in propelling sawmills, grist 
mills carding machines, etc., or aAvaiting future development. 

Many of the mountain peaks afford excellent views of the surrounding 
country, particularly the famous Buffalo Knob, which is frequently 
visited by excursion parties. This is an elevated healthful section — no epi- 
demics, and possesses delightful summer climate. 

Other advantages and attractions, briefly enumerated, are good mail 
facilities, excellent freestone water, churches and public schools, financial 
conditions excellent, Avith not a dollar of indebtedness, and people in- 
dustrious, frugal, and enterprising. 

Population, census of 1900, 15,388. Increase since census of 1890, 983. 
Males twenty-one years and over, 3,114. 

This county, though comparatively new, is not far, if at all, behind its 
sister counties in the importance of its resources, which only await de- 
velopment through the introduction of capital and adequate transportation 
facilities. Reports received from the county indicate very favorable con- 
ditions; increased attention being given to improvement of the lands, stock 
raising, grazing, etc. 

Floyd, the county seat, is situated near the center of the county, and 
is a thriving inland town of 402 inhabitants — census of 1900 — with steam 
lumber mill, newspaper, bank, lodges, of Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights 
of Pythias, numerous churches, hotels, and stores — the latter having a 
good trade with this and adjoining counties. 

Other towns are Grraysviile, Copperhill, Turtlerock, and Willis, — villages 
of growing importance. 



FLUVANNA COUNTY. 

Fluvanna was formed in 1777 from Albemarle, and lies on the north 
bank of James river, near the center of the State, fifty miles northwest of 
Richmond. 

This county is nearly square and contains 289 square miles — 180.- 
000 acres. Average size farms 150 acres. Bottom lands on the water 
course are the most valuable, rating at $20.00 to $50.00 per acre. Sur- 
face generally rolling, self-draining and easy to cultivate; with soils of 
every variety and capacity of productiveness, from the richest alluvial 
bottoms, often skirted by heavy productive clay soils, to the poorer ridges 
between the rivers. In the eastern part of the county, the lands are, in 
the main, of a gray granite soil, while in the western portion is a heavier, 
closer clay soil, mixed with clay and quartz rock, both of which readily re- 
spond to generous treatment. The flat lands along the James and Rivanna 
rivers are very fertile and productive, yielding large crops of Avheat, corn, 
and hay; and perhaps the finest grain belt known to this country in- 
cludes the lower part of this county. 

The products of the county are wheat, corn, oats, rye, grass and, tobacco, 
the latter of Avhich, is the most important and profitable. The soil and 
climate seem to be especially adapted to the growth of tobacco; large 
quantities — over a million pounds — being produced annually, embracing, 
not only the famous sun-cured, but the finest grade of shipping and ma- 
hogany wrappers. For fruits, large and small, and vegetables of all kinds, 



123 

the soil and climate are well adapted, especially the eastern portion of the 
county. Grasses of various kinds do well. Herd's grass — red top — is in 
some localities indigenous, and red clover, timotny hay, and orchard grass 
grow luxuriantly on good soil, or when properly treated with manures, 
ashes, or commercial fertilizers. 

Its rolling and well-drained lands, pure water, and mild climate, 
make it peculiarly fitted for sheep; also fine herds of cattle are to be found 
in different sections of the county. 

The James river division of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad passes 
through the southern border of the county and gives easy and quick commu- 
nication with the cities east and west; and the Bivanna river extending 
into the central portion of the county, affords water transportation from 
that section to the nearest railroad point at Columbia. 

The county is believed to be rich in various minerals, gold, silver, cop- 
per, iron, slate, building stone, etc. They are, in the main, undeveloped, 
but the indications are so favorable as, in the opinion of skilled mineral- 
ogists, to promise rich results, if properly developed and worked. Tellu- 
rium, the oldest gold mine in Virginia, is situated in this county. 

There is also much valuable timber in the county, such as oak, poplar, 
walnut, pine, hickory, etc. 

There is no county in the State, and possibly no such extent of territory 
anywhere better or so well watered as is this; with the James river en- 
circling its southern boundary for about twenty-two miles; the Rivanna 
river running through the county, from northwest to southeast for about 
thirty-five miles, cutting it nearly in half; and the Hardware river trav- 
ersing its western border; with their numerous tributaries, Cunningham, 
Manchunk, Ballinger, Bird and other smaller creeks, and innumerable 
branches intersecting the county in every direction. These streams also 
afford a series of fine water powers for mill sites and manufactories, upon 
which there are already located numerous mills; and the Rivanna offers 
special inducements, with its dams. 

The climate of the county is unsurpassed, being temperate and perfectly 
healthful. The water is abundant and from springs of purest freestone. 
There are churches, postoffiees and good public schools in every neighbor- 
hood. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 9,050. Number of males twenty- 
one years and over, census of 1900, 2,073. 

Altogether the county offers many attractions to settlers, such as cheap 
and productive land, healthful and salubrious climate, and accessibility to 
market. There is much uncultivated land, now lying unimproved for the 
lack of capital and labor which would make it blossom as the rose. The 
people will heartily welcome both in their midst. 

Palmyra, the county seat, is a small village, located in the center of the 
county, on Rivanna river, twelve miles from Columbia, a station on the 
Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, with which it has daily mail communication. 
It contains wheat and corn mills, public school, newspaper, churches, etc. 

The most important town in the county is Columbia, with population, by 
census of 1900, of 216. It is situated at the confluence of the Rivanna and 
the James rivers, about 55 miles west of Richmond, and 90 miles east of 
Lynchburg, on the James river division of the Chesapeake and Ohio rail- 
road, 286 feet above tidewater. 



FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Henry and Bedford, in 1784, and lies 
at the eastern base of the Blue R'dee mountains, in the southern part 
of the State, 140 miles southeast of Richmond. 

It is thirty miles long and about twenty miles wide, containing an 
area of 690 square miles. Farms average in size 159 acre . Prke of lands 
range from $2.50 to $25 per acre. 



125 

The surface is rolling, and in some parts mountainous. The soil, 
chiefly a red. clay, is very fertile. This is one of the most productive of 
the Piedmont counties, producing large crops of wheat, corn, rye, oats, 
hay, and tobacco, especially the latter; nearly all the land-holders being 
tobacco planters to a considerable extent. The region is unexcelled for 
growing all the fruits for which this Piedmont section is noted; such 
as apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, grapes, etc. 

Dairy products and poultry also pay well, market advantages being 
very good. Grazing facilities are not fully developed, but are very good, 
and considerable attention is paid to raising stock for the markets, 
and also horses. Milch cows and other cattle are shipped in large num- 
bers. 

Railroads are the Franklin and Pittsylvania railroad and the Nor- 
folk and Western, which crosses the county from north to south, fur- 
nishing ample facilities for transportation. 

Minerals of this county are iron, asbestos, mica, granite and soap- 
stone; the principal of which is iron, which is found in inexhaustible 
quantities, and is the only one that has been successfully worked. 

Timber of the various kinds is abundant; the most valuable being 
oak, poplar, pine, hickory, walnut and chestnut. A large number of 
steam sawmills are in operation, turning this timber to profitable account. 

Rivers are the Staunton, on the northeast border, and the Pigg and 
the Blackwater, with their numerous tributaries, which afford ample 
drainage, and excellent water power, as is evidenced by the flour mills, 
some sawmills, and wood-working establishments located on them. 

The climate is mild, the water unsurpassed, and the health of the county 
excellent. A large number of churches represent the different denomina- 
tions, and mail facilities very fine. 

Population, census of 1900, 25,953; increase since census of 1890, 968. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, census of 1900, 5,098. 

The people are generous, hospitable and progressive; and the stranger 
who comes to make his home amongst them receives a hearty welcome. 

Rocky Mount, the county seat, with a population of 612, is located about 
the center of the county, on the Winston-Salem division of the Norfolk 
and Western railroad, and is also the western terminus of the Frank- 
lin division of the Southern railway. It is an enterprising business 
place, with a large tobacco warehouse and manufacturing establishments, 
good schools, numerous churches, several fraternal orders, a national 
bank, newspapers, and a number of business houses. Its altitude is 1,132 
feet. 



FKEDEKJCK COUNTY. 

Frederick county was formed in 1738, from Orange. It is the north- 
ernmost county of the State, at the head of the Shenandoah valley, 116 
miles from Richmond. It is twenty miles long and about eighteen miles 
wide, and has an area of 425 square miles, with an averaged assessed value 
of $12.00 per acre. 

The middle part of the county is interspersed with frequent mountain 
ranges with valley lands between, but the surface generally is undulating. 
There are belts of gray slate formation, also of limestone; the latter em- 
bracing one of the most productive sections of the State. This is one of 
the best counties of the famous Valley of Virginia, noted for its fine lands, 
and good farming. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, rye, hay, and oats; of which fine crops 



126 

are produced. In the value of orchard products, this county stands very 
high; some sections have attained considerable notoriety for fine apples, 
especially near Winchester. 

Fruit growing, farming and stock raising constitute most profitable in- 
dustries, the county having most excellent market advantages. This is 
one of the finest live stock counties in the State. Horses and cattle, in 
large numbers, and of superior quality, are raised and shipped to north- 
ern markets. 

The railroads are the valley branch of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, 
the Southern, and the Norfolk and Western, and the Cumberland Valley, 
extending from Winchester to Pennsylvania, affording a great through 
route of travel and traffic, from the east and northeast to the south and 
southwest, as well as most excellent facilities for trade and travel north- 
ward. 

Minerals are iron, coal and limestone. The iron is found in North 
mountain, in large quantity and good quality. The coal is of the anthracite 
formation. Timbers are oak, hickory, walnut, pine, locust and ash, and 
are fairly good in quantity and in quality, especially in the limestone belt. 

Streams are Cedar creek, Opequan, Bark and Hogen creeks, and numerous 
others, affording water power for largely increased manufacturing pur- 
poses. This county can boast of an unusual lumber of manufactories; 
such as flour mills of large capacity; numerous woolen mills; tanneries; 
glove, cigar, box, and cabinet factories; sawmills and planing mills; car- 
riage factories; two iron foundries; a steam paper mill; a fertilizer factory ; 
sumac and bark mill; shoe factory; wheat- fan factory; agricultural imple- 
ment factory; glass-cutting establishment; and a number of other smaller 
industries. 

The public roads and turnpikes are exceptionally good, eight macadamized 
turnpikes running into Winchester. 

There are numerous fine mineral springs in the county; the principal of 
which are the Rock Enon Springs, and the Jordan White Sulphur, which 
have an extended reputation, and are liberally patronized. 

Climate is healthful and salubrious, and water unsurpassed, with its 
numerous clear streams and copious springs. Churches are numerous, and 
schools are of a high order, the county having been long known for its 
superior educational advantages. Telephone service and mail facilities are 
excellent. The financial condition of the county is good, with no public 
debt, while in progress and general advancement there has been a marked 
improvement in the past few years. Population of county, by census of 
1900, not including city of Winchester, 13,239. Number of males twen- 
ty-one years and over, not including city of Winchester, 3,393. Increase 
of population of county since census of 1890, including Winchester, 520. 
This is the county seat, a prosperous city, the second in importance in the 
greaty Valley of Virginia. See cities of Virginia. 

The educational, moral and social advantages of this county, render it 
one of the most attractive in the State. Its altitude is 717 fe^t. 



GILES COUNTY. 

This county was formed, in 1806, from Monroe and Tazewell, and was 
named in honor of the Honorable W. B. Giles, representative in Congress 
from this State, 1790-1802, and Governor of Virginia in 1827. It lies 
on the western border of the State, about 185 miles southwest from Rich- 
mond, and has an area of 349 square miles. 

All its borders, north, south, east and west, are mountainous; the 
middle rolling; about fifty per cent, of area being under cultivation. The 
soil is limestone and clay, and generally very fertile. 

Products are corn, wheat, rye, oats, hay, etc. The crop of maple 
sugar, syrup, and sorghum, is worthy of mention; especially the sor- 



127 

ghum. This county is well adapted to the growth of fruit, and con- 
siderable attention is being paid to this industry; especially to the apple 
crop, large quantities of which are shipped, and add greatly to the reve- 
nues of the people; also grape culture is coming to be very extensive; 
and the cherry grows in great abundance, being apparently a native of this 
climate and soil. Some very fine peaches are grown, and in large quantity, 
when proper attention is given to their culture and protection from the 
borer. All these fruits and berries, besides vegetables of all kinds, which 
grow to great perfection, find a ready and remunerative market in the 
coal fields near by. 

From the same source there is a constant demand for the dairy pro- 
ducts, butter and cheese; also poultry and eggs, large quantities of which 
are produced. 

The rich bottom lands on the river and other water courses are splen- 
didly adapted to trucking, and they are being utilized for that purpose 
to a considerable extent. 

This county is also splendidly adapted to grazing, and the production of 
hay. All the grasses do well, and in some sections blue grass grows spon- 
taneously. As a result of these favorable conditions, live-stock raising 
is one of the most important industries of the county. Large numbers 
of fine fat cattle and lambs are annually shipped to the northern and 
eastern markets, and some of the former sold for the export trade. This 
is an exceedingly fine corn county, which renders the pork and bacon pro- 
duct very valuable. 

Railroads are the New River division of the Norfolk and Western 
railroad, and two lateral lines; one the Big Stony, extending up Big Stony 
creek a distance of twelve or fifteen miles; the other, the New River, 
Holston and Western, extending up Wolf creek about the same distance; 
and, in addition to these, the Tidewater railroad, now being constructed 
through the entire length of the county. These are standard gauge roads, 
built primarily to reach the ores, timbers, tan bark, etc., of those sections; 
but destined to be extended to other and further undeveloped portions of the 
southwest, ultimately forming connections with through trunk lines. The 
New River division, now the main line of the Norfolk and Western rail- 
road, extends from Radford to Columbus, Ohio; and, by a branch line, to 
Norton, connecting with the Louisville and Nashville for Cincinnati, 
Louisville, etc. The New River railroad follows the course of New river 
through the center of the county a distance of twenty-eight miles to the 
West Virginia line, and thence into one of the finest mineral and timber 
regions in the world. 

The minerals of the county are destined, at no distant day, to be the 
source of its greatest wealth. Iron of fine quality is found in almost 
every section of the county, while manganese, zinc, lead, barytes, and 
variegated marble, have been found. The limestone, especially along the 
river and railroad, in quantity and quality for building purposes or lime 
cannot, for the same area, be excelled in the world. Several lime works 
of large capacity are located on this line, and have large and increasing 
demands from the coal fields and elsewhere for all they can produce, and 
still there is room and demand for more. 

Timber has been very abundant in this county, but has been very exten- 
sively culled out. There is a very large area, 30,000 or 40,000 acres, of 
remote mountain lands, that, owing to inconvenient transportation, has not 
been worked at all. Large areas of the mountain sides yield immensely 
in chestnut oak, from which tan bark is obtained. The timbers of the 
county are white oak, black oak, chestnut oak, chestnut, hickory, sugar 
maple, locust, black pine, yellow pine, white pine, hemlock or spruce 



128 

pine, poplar, wild cherry, ash, lind, buckeye, walnut, dogwood and cedar, 
in the order of their respective supply. Much of this timber is very fine 
for cabinet and ornamental purposes. 

The whole area of the county is well watered by New river, flowing 
through it, and several of its large tributaries, such as Big and Little 
Stony creeks, Sinking and Doe creeks on the east side, Wolf and Walker's 
creeks on the west side. There is ample water power on nearly all the 
streams to warrant extensive establishments. Numerous fine roll- 
ing mills are located on these streams. The most extensive manu- 
facturing enterprises of the county are the two large steam tanneries 
located at Bluff City, near Pearisburg, and at the Narrows, five miles be- 
low. These operations give employment to a large number of the laboring 
population, and a fine market for the tan bark in which this county abounds 
so largely. 

No description of this county would be complete without a reference to 
its notable physical features, as displayed in its grand mountains and 
magnificent scenery. Towari. the central part of the county is the lofty 
and beautiful Angel's Rest, about 4,000 feet above sea level, and 2,000 
feet above the river below. Opposite to Angel's Rest, on the northeast side 
of the river, is Butte mountain, of the same general formation and eleva- 
tion. Flanking the latter on the south is the Salt Pond mountain, with 
its Ball Knob towering nearly 5,000 feet above the sea. Answering this 
mountain in position is the Sugar Run mountain on the opposite or south- 
west side. Toward the southern side of the county, are the important iron- 
bearing parallel series composed of Spruce, John's Creek and Gap moun- 
tains on the northeast side of New river, and of Buckeye, Guinea and 
Walker's mountains on the southwest side of the river; Gap mountain and 
Walker's mountain answering to each other in line of continuation. But 
the most noted and the grandest scenery of all is Mountain Lake and the 
Cascades, and Bald Knob, near by. Mountain Lake is a celebrated health 
and pleasure resort on the top of Salt Pond mountain, and truly it may 
be called the silver gem of the Alleghanies, situated, as it is, almost on the 
summit of the highest mountain of Virginia, at an elevation of more 
than 4,000 feet above the sea. Besides the pure mountain air and water, 
its chief attraction is a lake of clear transparent water three-quarters of 
a mile long by one-half mile wide, with a surface area of about 250 
acres, and an average depth of about sixty feet. Another notable point 
in this galaxy of sublime scenery is Bald Knob, three-fourths of a mile 
in the rear of Mountain Lake, and 500 feet higher; so high that scarcely 
anything grows on its lofty summit, from which landmarks of five 
different states are visible. 

Eggleston Springs, commonly called New River White Sulphur 
Springs, is located on the southside of the county, nine miles from 
Pearisburg, the county seat, on the east bank of New river, one-quarter 
of a mile from Eggleston Springs station on the Norfolk and Western 
railroad. This is a popular resort, having an elevation of 2,000 feet, and 
said to possess highly medicinal and curative properties. 

In climate, health, and water, this county ranks with the most favored 
portions of the State; churches are numerous and well attended; schools 
excellent, public and graded; mail facilities and telephone service reach 
to every section of the county; financial condition highly favorable. The 
people are moral, sober, industrious, enterprising, and proud of their 
county, which is fast becoming one of the most progressive in the State, 
as evidenced by its rapidly increasing population. 



129 

Pearisburg, the county seat, is situated in the shadow, almost, of the 
beautiful Angel's Rest, one mile from Pearisburg station on the Norfolk 
and Western railroad, and h°s a population, by census of 1900, of 464, — - 
an increase since census of 1890 of 123. It contains churches of different 
denominations, public and graded schools, hotels, stores, several fraternal 
orders, a bank, newspaper, etc. Its altitude is 1,547 feet; area 349 square 
miles. 

Other towns in the county are Narrows, Newport, Staflbrdsville, Eg- 
gleston and other business points of some importance. The first two named, 
are large business centers, vieing with the county seat in importance and 
population. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 10,793; increase since census of 
1890, 1,703. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,496. 

To its other more notable features, Giles county adds the highly im- 
portant one of being the great gateway of railway travel and traffic to 
the famous coal fields of Virginia and West Virginia ad to northern and 
northwestern cities. 



GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 

Gloucester was formed, in 1661, from York, and named after Gloucester- 
shire in England, from which place most of the earliest settlers of the 
county came. It is located in the eastern part of the State, thirty-eight 
miles from Richmond. It is twenty-seven miles long and eight miles 
wide, and contains 253 square miles. 

On the water courses the lands are low and level; further back they 
are higher and gently undulating; but no portion of the county is very 
far from deep Avater. The proportion of cultivated land to the area is from 
one-fourth to one-third. The soil is generally a sandy loam, with rich 
alluvial lands along its many streams. 

Farm products are hay, corn, oats, rye, and wheat; but tobacco and pea- 
nuts can be profitably grown. The soil and climate are admirably adapted 
to trucking, the principal crops of which are Irish and sweet potatoes, 
peas, cantaloupes, watermelons, etc. Fruit culture is receiving more at- 
tention, and will prove very profitable with intelligent care. All the 
fruits are grown to some extent, but the most profitable are pears, 
grapes, and strawberries. 

Market advantages are good. Produce shipped in the evening is on the 
Baltimore market next morning; also Norfolk and Richmond are good 
markets for this section. 

Owing to the great extent of water front, Gloucester is probably more 
largely engaged in oyster planting than any of the counties of the oyster 
section, and the quality of her oysters ranks with the best. The fisheries 
of the county are also very extensive and valuable, employing large 
capital and labor, and bringing to its citizens and the State large revenue. 
A very large proportion of the people derive a livelihood almost entirely 
from the Avater; and its products may be considered the most important 
and profitable industries of the county. 

Increased attention is being given to the raising of stock and the culti- 
vation of the grasses, for which the low grounds are well adapted; and 
they also succeed very well on the uplands. 

The nearest railroad point is West Point, the eastern terminus of the 
York river division of the Southern railway, sixteen miles distant. Any 
deficiency in this respect is amply supplied by the extensive water trans- 
portation that reaches every portion of the county. Steamers and sail 
vessels daily ply the York and Pasquotank rivers, and Chesapeake and 
Mobjack bays, affording cheap, convenient and direct communication with 
9 



131 

the cities of Baltimore, Norfolk, and Richmond, also with Philadelphia, 
New York and Boston, by connections at Old Point. The water courses 
above named, together with Ware, Severn, and North rivers, and numerous 
creeks, afford not only a magnificent water supply, but are turned to valu- 
able account for their productions, and for their transportation facilities. 

The county is fairly well timbered; principally pine, while some oak, 
hickory, and cypress are found. Several sawmills are successfully em- 
ployed; lumber, cord-wood, poplar wood, and railroad ties are shipped to 
considerable extent. Marl is found throughout the county a few feet be- 
low the surface, and has been extensively and successfully used as a 
fertilizer. 

Owing to the proximity of the county to numerous bodies of salt water, 
and the sea, the climate is mild in winter, and tempered by the sea 
breeze in summer; and the salt water atmosphere also has the effect 
to render it very healthful. Water is supplied by artesian wells, easily 
bored, and by numerous springs ; and is abundant and good. There is also 
excellent lithia water in the county. Churches of the various denomina- 
tions, Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian, are well located. 
Educational advantages are good ; with one Academy, and one young ladies' 
school, and with public schools in every neighborhood. The county is well 
supplied with telephone service, local and long distance, and has excellent 
mail facilities. In progress and general advancement there is a decided 
upward tendency in this county. The farmers are adopting improved 
implements and methods, and financial conditions are better than for years 
past. A very good indication of this as a desirable section is the in- 
creased population, as shown below. 

Population, census of 1900, 12,832; increase since census of 1890, 1,179. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,004. 

Gloucester, the county seat, is located on Mobjack bay, an arm of the 
•Chesapeake, and is a small county village of about one hundred inhabi- 
tants, containing carriage and harness shops, lodge of Masons, and daily 
mail communications. 

This county has some of the finest estates in Virginia, and, in ante-bellum 
days, was noted for its wealth and refinement. It is also noted as having 
been the place of the death and burial of Nathaniel Bacon, the leader of 
the rebellion against Governor Sir William Berkeley in 1676. It is fur- 
thermore claimed to have been in this county, on the York, that Pocahontas 
saved the life of Captain John Smith. 



GOOCHLAND COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1727 from Henrico, and named in honor of 
one of Virginia's colonial governors. This is a central county, and lies 
along the northern banks of James river, a distance of about forty miles. 
It is situated thirteen miles west of Richmond. 

Thirty miles long and about ten miles wide, it has an area of 296 square 
miles. Its surface is undulating. Its soil is a gray or chocolate loam, 
with stiff red clay-subsoil, and, on the water courses, is very rich and pro- 
ductive. The uplands, though not so good, are easily improved and are 
well adapted to tobacco. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, tobacco and hay, corn, wheat and 
tobacco being the chief — especially the last two. Fruits and vegetables of 
the usual varieties are produced to a considerable extent; especially 
grapes, to which much of the land is admirably adapted. Market advan- 
tages are good, by rail and market-carts, to Richmond. Clover and timothy 
do well; and more attention is being paid to the cultivation of grasses, 
and the introduction of improved stock. 



133 

The James river division of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, following 
the windings of James river on the southern border of the county for over 
forty miles, furnishes ample and convenient transportation facilities. 

Minerals are gold, coal, iron, mica and plumbago. Several of the gold 
and coal mines are being worked; also a fine mica mine near Irwin Station, 
in the lower end of the county. Petroleum, or naphtha, has bee 1 found, and 
the indication are that the oil is in considerable quantities. Mineral 
waters are alkaline, chalybeate, sulphur, iron and lithia; the most import- 
ant of which are the fine mineral springs at East Lake. 

Timbers are oak, hickory, walnut, pine, poplar, chestnut, cedar, locust, 
and ash. They are limited in quantity, but of fine quality. 

It is bountifully watered by the James river and its tributaries on the 
south, and by branches of the South Anna on the north, in which many va- 
rieties of fresh water fish abound. Industries and new enterprises are 
numerous, sawmills, flour and grist mills, keg factory, stemmery, rock 
quarries, sassafras mill, and winter-green and poke-root mill. 

The climate is salubrious and healthful; Avater first-class; churches and 
public schools numerous; telephone service and mail facilities very good. 

Population, census of 1900, 9,519; number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 2,277. 

Goochland Courthouse, the county seat, is located in the southern part 
of the county, thirty miles west of Richmond, and one mile north ot 
Maiden's Adventure depot, James river division Chesapeake and Ohio 
railway. It is a small country village of about fifty inhabitants; its 
nearest market, Richmond. There are no other towns in the county. Al- 
titude 143 feet 

Owing to the favorable location of this county, its proximity to Rich- 
mond — the capital city — cheap lands, fine climate, and water, it offers 
many inducements for immigration and investment; and. realizing the op- 
portunities presented, many northern parties have purchased lands and 
settled in this county, and are much pleased. 



GRAYSON COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1793 from Wythe, and named in honor of 
Honorable William Grayson, who was a member of the Virginia Conven- 
tion of 1788, which adopted the Federal Constitution. It is situated on 
the southern border of the State 265 miles southwest from Richmond. 

It contains 438 square miles. The western portion is mountainous, but 
the central and eastern parts lie in a fertile valley, and comprise a fine 
farming section. About forty per cent, of the land is in cultivation. The 
soil is loam and gray granite, with clay subsoil, and quite fertile. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, rye, oats, buckwheat, etc., also a large 
quantity of bacon is annually sold. This is an exceedingly fine fruit 
county; varieties such as the apple, peach, pear, quince, cherry, plum, grape, 
etc., grow to great perfection. It seems to be the native home of the apple, 
which is noted for superior flavor and excellence. 

This is a good grass section, producing a considerable amount of hay, 
and having excellent grazing facilities. The county is rapidly coming to 
the front in the raising of stock; large numbers of cattle, sheep and other 
live stock being sold every year. 

There are no railroads in the county, except a small portion of the 
short line extending from the North Carolina division of the Norfolk and 
Western railroad to Fries in this county. Besides other railroads in con- 
templation, there is every indication that the Mount Rogers and Eastern 
railroad will be built through the county at an early day. 



134 

Of the counties lying on the Blue Ridge plateau, with their almost im- 
measurable mineral wealth, this is one of the most important; with its 
varied deposits of gold, silver, iron, copper, lead, mica, asbestos, granite, 
limestone and freestone. Of these, iron, copper, granite, and asbestos are 
the most important. 

Timber is very abundant, and of great variety; such as poplar, oak, 
pine, walnut, hickory, chestnut, ash, etc. A large sale of timber was re- 
cently effected in the west end of the county, involving over $100,000. 

This county is splendidly watered by New river and its numerous tribu- 
taries. The streams are especially adapted to every species of game fish. 
The mountain trout is very common in nearly all the streams, and the fa- 
mous New river catfish reaches its highest perfection in these waters. 

Grayson may be considered not only one of the best watered counties 
in the State, but as having the finest water power; New river furnishing 
more than a thousand^ horse power per mile, according to government sur- 
vey; and all the creeks affording excellent powers, every mile or two, for 
purposes of milling and manufacturing. Grain and saw mills are very 
numerous, also two woolen mills, and one or two forges,, that partially 
supply the home demand for iron; but the most important enterprise, 
and one of the most extensive in the State, is Washington Mills, at Fries, 
in this county; a corporation chartered under the laws of the State of 
New Jersey, and a few years ago capitalized at $2,250,000. A farmer's 
quiet home on the banks of New river, in Grayson county, a few years ago, 
has now become the scene of all the hurry and bustle of a large manufac- 
turing town. An immense factory building 900 feet long and 130 feet wide, 
and a dam of stone and cement, 450 feet long and 40 feet high across New 
river, went up rapidly; and with 6,300 horse power driving 1.100 looms, 
the factory employs 1,500 women and children besides male labor. The 
Norfolk and Western extension of its North Carolina division has been 
completed to the mills. This mammoth enterprise is only a beginning 
of what will become a great manufacturing center. 

A splendid well ordered hotel is open for the reception of guests ; and the 
store and office building 80 x 80 feet, and three stories high, is a trading 
center for the people for miles around. 

This county has the distinction of having the highest mountains in the 
State; the Balsam or Mount Rogers being the highest, and White Top the 
next in altitude, 5.530 feet above sea level; and for natural scenery it is 
not surpassed in the State. Added to its other attractions are numerous 
fine sulphur springs and other mineral waters. This section is noted for 
the purity of its air, and its immunity from great storms, guarded as it is 
by the great Iron Mountain chain on the north and west. Its healthfulness 
is attested by the vigor and longevity of its people. There is an abund- 
ance of pure freestone water from never-failing springs, which supply 
a wealth of fine water scarcely equalled in the State. 

This county has made rapid progress in the past few years in the con- 
struction of good, commodious, and up-to-date school houses and churches. 

Several high schools, as well as the public school system, are in a pros- 
perous condition. Telephone service and mail facilities of the county are 
very good; financial condition favorable; and the people imbued with a 
spirit of enterprise and progress. 

Total population, census of 1000, 16,853. Increase since census of 
1890. 2,459. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,547. 

Independence, the county seat, is a country village of about two hu-dred 
inhabitants, situated in a fertile valley on a branch of New river, a little 
east of the center of the county. It has several hotels, churches, stores, a 
saddlery, smith shops, two fraternal orders, two newspapers, and a public 
school. 



135 

A larger town, though only two years old, is Galax, situated on the line 
of Grayson and Carroll, the line passing along the center of the main 
street. It is the terminus of the North Carolina division of the Norfolk 
and Western railroad, and boasts of a large furniture factory, a spoke 
and handle factory, and a considerable tannery, besides two newspapers, 
a good bank, a wholesale grocery, and a number of retail stores. 



GREENE COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1838 from the western part of Orange, and 
was named after General Nathaniel Greene of the Revolution. It is situ- 
ated in the north-central part of the State, sixty-six miles northwest 
from Richmond, and lies on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge. 

It contains 150 square miles. Average size of farms 150 acres; mountain 
lands cheap. The surface is mountainous or hilly, and about one-third in 
cultivation; the soil red and gray loam, and very fertile, producing corn, 
wheat, oats, rye, tobacco, and the grasses. Fruits, such as apples, peaches, 
pears, cherries, and the smaller kinds, are raised in considerable abund- 
ance, and of good quality, and in fact may properly be termed the 
county's most profitable industry. The county is also admirably adapted 
to raising stock, especially sheep. 

The Southern railroad runs within a few miles of the eastern border of 
the county. The Rockingham turnpike, macadamized from Harrisonhurg 
to Gordonsville, passes directly through the county, and affords ample 
facilities to the farmers in getting their products to the markets. 

Minerals are copper and iron, but the lack of convenient transportation 
has retarded the development of them. 

Timber is abundant, consisting of pine, oak, hickory, chestnut, walnut, 
and poplar; the most merchantable of which are oak and pine. Numerous 
sawmills and grain mills are in operation. There are several water courses 
in the county, tributaries of the Rapidan and Rivanna rivers, which 
alford abundant water power for mills, etc. On the head waters of South 
river, in this county, is a very beautiful and romantic cascade, at which the 
water falls over a precipice 160 feet. 

Climate, water and health of the county are exceptionally good; churches 
and schools numerous and convenient. 

Population, census of 1900, 6,214. Increase since census of 1890, 592. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 1,308. 

Stanardsville, the county seat, is in the central portion of the county, 
and has a population of about three hundred. It contains several public 
schools, churches and fraternal orders. 

Ruckersville is a small village in the southeastern part of the county. 



GREENESVILLE COUNTY. 

This county, formed in 1780 from Brunswick is one of the southern bor- 
der counties, forty-eight miles south of Richmond, and eighty miJes west 
of the Atlantic ocean. 

It contains an area of 288 square miles. About one-third of the land is in 
cultivation. The surface is level or slightly rolling, the soil generally a 
sandy loam, easily tilled. The population last census was 9,758. 

The farm products are varied and valuable; such as tobacco, corn, 
wheat, oats, cotton, peanuts, broom corn, and sweet potatoes; the most 
important of which are cotton and peanuts. Tobacco is also one of the 
chief staples. Fruits of many varieties are cultivated, especially grapes 
and the small fruits. Transportation facilities are good. The Coast Line, 
the Atlantic and Danville, and the Seaboard and Roanoke railways traverse 
the county. 



137 

Marl is the only mineral, but it is abundant and valuable as a fertilizer 
for some of the staple crops, especially peanuts. 

Timbers are principally white cak, ash, pine, sycamore, poplar, cedar, 
hickory and chestnut. 

The Nottoway river. on the north, and the Meherrin in the center, with 
their tributaries, afford an ample water supply and abundance of fish, 
besides water power for numerous grain mills. 

The climate is pleasant and healthful, and not subject to extremes of 
either heat or cold. Water is good, churches and schools numerous, and 
the people kind and hospitable. 

Emporia, the county seat, is located in the east-central part of the 
county, on the Meherrin river, and at the junction of the Atlantic and 
Danville, and the Atlantic Coast Line railroads, and has a population, by 
census of 1900, of 1,027. This is a growing town, a score cr more of fami- 
lies from nearly as many different States settled here recently. The indus- 
trial plants located here are a granite quarry, a fruit- packing plant, and 
several lumber mills. The latest enterprise is a large box factory known as 
the Emporia Manufacturing Company, which gives employment to over one 
hundred hands. A number of new and handsome residences and business 
houses have been erected during the past year. There is good water 
power at Emporia awaiting development. There are several churches and 
fraternal orders, two newspapers, a. bank, and a graded school. 

Near by is Belfield, a town of considerable importance. 



HALIFAX COUNTY. 

Halifax Avas formed in 1752 from Lunenburg, and is one of the largest 
and most populous counties in the State. It lies in the heart of the finest 
tobacco growing section of the State midway from east to west of the border 
line, ninety miles southwest from Richmond. 

It contains an area of 806 sauare miles, about one-fourth of which is 
in cultivation. The surface is rolling; soil of the ridge lands is of a soft 
gray, sandy character; that on the streams is a loam of great fertility. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, rye, oats, hay and tobacco. This county 
ranks sixth in the production of corn, third in . cats, and second in to- 
bacco, of the counties of the State. Over 13,000,000 pounds of tobacco 
Avere produced in 1899. Fruits, A'egetable and dairy products are of con- 
siderable importance, and proA-e valuable, Avith proper care and attention. 
The chief industry is tobacco growing, and much is of the finest grades of 
bright wrappers. Almost eA 7 ery farmer is engaged in this line of agriculture. 

The raising of tine stock, horses, cattle and sheep, is attracting the at- 
tention of the farmers as a sourc? of profit; espec'ally sheep raising, which 
is being conducted A T ery successfully. 

Most excellent railroad facilities are furnished by the Southern, the 
Lynchburg and Durham and the Atlantic and Danville railroads, Avhich 
traA r erse the county in all directions. 

Minerals are iron, copper, slate, plumbago, manganese, gold, and mica; 
several of AA'hich have been Avorked to some extent. The Wolf Trap Lithia 
Well of this county, situated on the Southern railway, has attained an ex- 
excellent reputation, and the AA-ater is shipped to all parts of the county, 
also beyond its limits. Gold is profitably mined at Fed Bank. 

Timber is plentiful, such as hickory, oak. nine and noplar. Almost every 
section of the county is bountifully Avatered by the Staunton, the Dan, the 
Banister and Hyco rivers and their tributaries, rendering it one of the best 
AA r atered counties in the State: and also alt'orlin^ excellent water power 
for numerous flouring and saw mills, agricultural implement factories, etc.; 
some being cf large capacity. The" new courthouse is a model in con- 
venience and capacity. Avith modern fireproof vaults. 



139 

This section of Virginia has a mean annual temperature of fifty-eight 
degrees and the climate is pleasant and healthful. Schools and churches 
of the various denominations are numerous and convenient, finances ex- 
cellent, with one million dollars on deposit in banks of the county, June 1, 
1906. 

Population, census of 1900, 37,197. Increase since census of 1890, 2,773. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 7,948. 

Houston, the county seat, is situated on Banister river, and on the 
Lynchburg and Durham division of the Norfolk and Western railway. It is 
a thriving town of over seven hundred inhabitants, surrounded by a fertile 
section of the county. It contains two flouring mills; also numerous 
churches, schools, a high school, two banks, a newspaper, and a lodge of 
Masons. 

South Boston, a town of- considerable importance, the largest in the 
comity, containing a population of 3,000, is situated in the southern part 
of the county on the Richmond and Danville, and Norfolk and Western 
railroads, 109 miles from Richmond in what is known as the bright tobacco 
belt of Virginia. It is well drained, healthful, and has good water, and a 
fine system of Avater works, an electric plant, excellent graded schools, 
numerous churches, two newspapers, and four banks with a combined 
capital and surplus of $290,000.00. It is rapidly growing as a tobacco 
center, ranking second in the leaf tobacco markets of the State; sales 
amounting last year to sixteen million pounds. Besides its large establish- 
ments for the manufacture of tobacco, several large stemmeries and prize- 
ries, with improved machinery, have been erected of late years. 

In addition to all enumerated, this progressive town can make the fol 
lowing exhibit of progress since 1901 ; a cotton mill, lumber mill, foundry, 
wagon factory, lounge factory, broom factory, table factory, show caso 
factory, a handsome new hotel, sixty-four new dwellings, a fine Masonic 
temple, two large buggy factories, and an electric power on Dan river for 
manufactories, etc. These enterprises, in connection with those already in 
operation, such as wagon works, woolen mills, furniture factory, etc., make 
a town of considerable importance. The town is fast recovering from the 
great fire of 1906, and will be built better than before. 

Other towns are: Clover, population, 400; Scottsburg and Vir- 
gilina, population 200, each having a bank. The last named is one of the 
most important copper districts in the South. There are a number of cop- 
per mines in operation in this section, and extensive developments are in 
progress; the outlook for a large output of high grade ore is very promis- 
ing. 



HANOVER COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1720 from New Kent, and lies in the central 
part of the State, between the Pamunkey and Chickahominy rivers, five 
miles north of Richmond, and contains 478 square miles. Surface is 
level in eastern part, and undulating in central and western. 

Soil, light sandy, or gray loam ; river lands very productive and valuable, 
yielding fine crops of corn, oats, and wheat, and well adapted to trucking. 
Sweet potatoes and melons, for which the county is noted, attain here their 
highest perfection. The higher land in the central and western portion 
is specially suited to the culture of tobacco and the grasses. Consider- 
able attention is paid to fruit culture. Several large canneries for fruits 
and vegetables are in successful operation. Trucking is extensively and 
profitably carried on, and a considerable number of the farmers make 



140 

dairying and poultrying a prominent and successful part of their occupa- 
tion. Truck farming may be considered the most profitable industry of the 
county, the more valuable on account of the proximity to the Richmond 
City market, and others. 

This is not, strictly speaking, a stock and grazing county, but it produces 
many fine blooded horses and cattle, and winter feeding of fat stock is carried 
on successfully. 

Railroads are the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac, and the Chesa 
peake and Ohio. 

Minerals are mica, feldspar, asbestos, phosphate of lime, and gneiss; 
also marl of several varieties and greensand are found here in largt 
quantities, and are very profitably used on the lands. 

Timbers are oak, pine, hickory, ash, elm, and poplar. Considerable 
quantities of lumber, cross-ties and cord wood are marketed. 

The county is abundantly watered by the North and South Anna, Pa 
munkey and Chickahominy rivers, and their branches. Several sawmills 
are in operation, also a large fertilizer factory. 

The climate and the health of the county will compare favorably with any 
portion of Eastern Virginia, and with churches and schools it is well sup- 
plied. 

Hanover, the county seat, is located on the Chesapeake and Ohio rail- 
road, in the northern part of the county. . It is a small village co taining 
several fraternal orders, church, public school, etc. 

Ashland, the principal town of the county, is a very attractive growing 
town of 1,147 inhabitants by census of 1900, showing an increase of 191) 
since census of 1890. It is situated seventeen miles north of Richmond 
on the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad, with its numer- 
ous daily connecting trains; and owing to its proximity to Richmond and 
easy communication it has grown to be a favorite residence for business 
men of that city. The location is healthful, the society excellent, and il is 
an important educational center, being the seat of Randolph-Macon Col- 
lege, one of the oldest and most noted schools in the State, besides a 
graded school of a high order; and while mainly a residential town, with 
many fine homes, it has an excellent trade, and considerable business 
operations. These have been stimulated the past year by the large de- 
mand for residences ; all vacant property is now occupied by the numer- 
ous families that have moved in, and still the demand for residences con- 
tinues. Progress is also noted in the enlargement of the Ashland Roller 
Mills and the addition thereto of latest improved machinery, and in the 
construction near by of grist, saw, and planing mills, that are doing a 
flourishing business. The Henry Clay Iron Company has a handsome build- 
ing and is an ornament to the town. 

There are many fine estates in this county, and the farm products ag- 
gregate a large amount, besides having taken high position for quality at 
former Richmond expositions. 

The people are intelligent, enterprising, and hospitable, and extend a 
hearty welcome to immigrants, and to others who come into their midst to 
locate and avail themselves of the splendid opportunities here presented to 
capital and enterprise. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 17,618. Increase since census of 
1890, 216. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 4,024. 

This sketch would be incomplete without reference to Hanover as having 
been the birthplace of both Patrick Henry and Henry Clay, two of the most 
eminent orators and statesmen this country has ever produced. 



141 

HENRICO COUNTY. 

Henrico was one of the original shires into which Virginia was divided 
in 1634. It is situated at the head of tidewater, on the north side of 
the James river, which divides it from Chesterfield, and south of the 
Chickahominy, which separates it from Hanover. 

Its length is 27 miles, mean breadth about eight miles, and it contains 
273 square miles, the greater portion of which is in cultivation. The river 
lands are the most productive, best improved, and command the highest 
prices. The surface is undulating; the soil, varying from light loam, to 
stiff clay is susceptible of a high state of cultivation. The lands upon 
the James river are generally alluvial, of a deep chocolate color, and are 
among the best wheat lands of the State. 

The city of Richmond divides the county into two nearly equal parts. 
The portion lying below Richmond, on tidewater, is less improved than 
that above the city; the lands are cheaper, population less dense, and, 
consequently, a better field is offered in this section for settlers with small 
means. 

Farm products are varied and extensive, consisting principally of corn, 
oats, wheat, and tobacco; also barley and rye are raised to some extent. 
The grasses, clover and timothy, succeed well, and hay is an important crop. 

There are many large nurseries, orchards, and vineyards in the county, 
and considerable attention is given to this line of industry. There are 
also a number of dairy and poultry farms adjacent to the city of Richmond, 
that do a large and successful business. Market-gardening and truck- 
ing are very extensively carried on, and rank as perhaps the most profitable 
industries of the county. This county, with Richmond i:i the center, and 
four railroads traversing the county, has very superior market advan- 
tages. There is nothing a farmer cannot sell at fair prices. 

Considerable attention is given to the introduction, and rearing of 
blooded horses and cattle, and to the improvement of sheep for mutton and 
spring lambs. 

The county is traversed by two lines of the Chesapeake and Ohio, the 
York river division of the Southern, and the Richmond, Fredericksburg 
and Potomac railways; furnishing to all sections convenient communica- 
tions. 

The Seven Pines electric railway from Richmond to the National 
Cemetery, a distance of nine miles, affords accommodation to a thickly 
populated and growing section. 

The minerals are granite, marble, marl, potters clav and brick clay, 
greensand and coal. The coal and granite are found above tidewater, in 
the upper part of the county. The latter is in great abundance and of 
very superior quality. 

Timbers are pine, oak, ash, maple, cedar, hickory, walnut, chestnut, and 
cypress. These are quite limited in quantity; but the proximity of the 
coal and lumber yards of Richmond obviates, to a great extent, any incon- 
venience that might arise from the scarcity of fuel and timber. 

James river, on the southern border, and the Chickahominy on the north- 
ern, with their tributaries, furnish abundant water supply and drainage. 
The lower portion of the county enjoys the advantages afforded by water 
navigation on the James, and also its excellent shad, herring and sturgeon 
fisheries. 

The climate is mild, and healthful, and water abundant and good. The 
only local disease is a mild type of intermittent fever, and that is chiefly 
confined to unfavorable localities. 

This county enjoys exceptional educational advantages, with its ad- 
mirable public schools, and its close proximity to the high schools and 
colleges of Richmond. Churches of all denominations are distributed over 
the county, and telephone and mail facilities are ample and convenient. 



143 

The public roads are carefully 1 coked after, and much improvement is shown 
in this very important particular. On account of location, social advan- 
tages, and in many other respects, some of which have been briefly alluded 
to, Henrico offers to home seekers superior advantages. Realizing the 
favorable opportunities presented, quite a large number of foreigners, 
chiefly Germans, have located in tne county; which is indicated to some ex- 
tent t>y the largely increased population as shown below. 

Population, census of 1900, 30,062. Increase since census of 1890, 8,056. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 7,665. 

Richmond, the county seat, and capital of the State, is situated on the 
border of the county, on the north bank of James river, at the head of 
tidewater. It is a most attractive city, having extensive commerce, trade 
and manufactories, and is the chief market of the State. A full descrip- 
tion of the city will appear in a separate sketch, under the head of cities. 

Barton Heights, now a part of Richmond, is a growing and attractive 
^>iace. Population 763. 



HENRY COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1777 from Pitttsylvania, and named in honor 
of Patrick Henry. It is situated on the southern border of the State, 180 
miles southwest from Richmond. 

It is nearly a square of eighteen miles, and contains 425 square miles. 
Average price of improved lands, $10 per acre. Averaged assessed value 
$5.25 per acre. Surface is undulating, and in parts, hilly and moun- 
tainous. One-third of the land is in cultivation. Soil, a red clay, and fertile, 
producing a good crop of corn, oats, rye, wheat and tobacco.' The last is the 
staple crop, over 3,000,000 pounds of the finest bright quality being raised 
annually. The numerous curing tobacco barns scattered over sections of 
tiie county give the appearance there of a continuous country village. The 
varieties of tobacco grown in Henry are noted for their superior quality; 
and quality considered, this is one of the finest tobacco counties in America. 
The soil is well adapted to the production of sweet potatoes, which yield 
largely under good cultivation. 

Grass does well in this soil, and numbers of horses, cattle and sheep 
of fine breeds are grown. One individual crop of hay last year was valued 
at $30,000. 

Fruits of the usual kinds do well, especially apples, peaches and grapes; 
also nectarines, apricots and figs, have been grown. Dairy and garden pro- 
ducts are varied and valuable. 

The county is traversed from north to south and from east to west by its 
lines of ralway, the Danville and Western and the Norfolk and Western, 
which furnish ready means of communication to the markets, giving im- 
petus to its agriculture and trade. 

Limestone, mica, asbestos, granite, soapstone, and allanite, are found in 
paying quantities, and the iron ore is inexhaustible. There are also chaly- 
beate and alum waters; but undeveloped. 

_ This county compares favorably with other sections of the State in its 
timber supply; the most numerous and valuable species being pine, oak, 
poplar and hickory. 

Smith and Mayo rivers, with their numerous branches, afford an ample 
water supply, and good water power. Numerous flour mills and sawmills, 
and an agricultural implement factory, and leather factory, are located on 
these waters. There are also a number of tobacco factories in different 
portions of the county, that are doing a large and successful business. 

The climate is salubrious, with comparatively mild winters and pleas- 
ant summers; health good, with no section of the State freer from malaria; 
water, excellent, with perennial streams of fine freestone water in all parts 
of the county; churches and schools numerous and convenient- 



144 

Population, census of 1900, 19,265. Increase since een-us of 1890, 1,057. 
Number males twenty-one years and over, 4,020. 

Martinsville, the county seat, located on the Danville and Western rail- 
road, at its intersection with the Winston- Salem division of the Norfolk 
and Western railroad, is an enterprising business town of 2,384 in- 
habitants, census of 1900. Its growth has been phenomenal since the 
completion of its several lines of railway. It has water works, electric 
plant, paved streets, iron foundries, machine shops, saw, corn and wheat 
mills, numerous churches, schools and fraternal orders, newspapers, two 
banks, one a national, and a large number of successful business houses 
of all kinds. But Martinsville's most impcr.ant e t rpiis^, however, i , manu- 
facturing tobacco and handling the leaf; indeed, it may be termed strictly 
a tobacco town, with its eighteen tobacco factories, employing over two 
thousand hands and manufacturing eight million pounds annually; and its 
two large warehouses for the sale of leaf tobacco, at which six million 
pounds were sold last year. Its volume of business is indicated by the 
fact that the internal revenue tax on plug tobacco was much greater at 
this place last year, than at any other place in the State, amounting here 
to $500,000. Situated in the heart of the county, and surrounded by a 
rich tobacco section, its possesses all the elements essential to prosperity 
and growth in this line. 

BidgeAvay, situated on the Norfolk and Western railroad south of Mar- 
tinsville, is a village of some importance, and has a population, census of 
1900, of 332. 

Bassett is also a thriving place of 200 population, located on the 
Norfolk and Western railroad, eight miles west of Martinsville. It has a 
large furniture factory and a stove factory, employing seventy-five hands, 
and several large stores. 

This county is showing considerable progress, and with its rich lands, 
suited to all species of agriculture, from planting to stock raising, and with 
its favorable climate and location, it is destined to still greater growth, 
which Avill be largely accentuated by the building of the Mount Rogers and 
Eastern railroad now in contemplation. 



HIGHLAND COUNTY. 

Highland county, formed in 1847 from Bath and Pendleton counties, is 
northwest from Richmond about 150 miles. 

It is nearly a square of about twenty miles each way, and contains 407 
square miles. The surface is mountainous with very fertile valleys be- 
tween, the best of which will bring $100.00 per acre, and in some instances 
more. The mountains furnish fine range for young stock and sheep, upon 
which they grow and thrive well. About one-fourth of the land is in 
cultivation. The soil is mainly limestone. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, oats, rye, buckwheat, butter, honey, 
cheese, dried fruits, and maple sugar, leading the State in the last product, 
and fourth in buckwheat. The western portion of the county produces 
abundant portions of grass and hay wherever cleared ; blue grass not in- 
ferior to that of the best lands of Kentucky, being indigenous to this soil. 
The grazing quality of the land can hardly be surpassed in the State: 
some of the best cattle marketed east and north are fattened in this county 
and taken right off the grass, no corn feeding needed, and Hrge numbers are 
sold each year, some for the export trade. It is also splendidly adapted 
to sheep, large numbers of which are grown. Apples, pears, peaches and all 
fruits suited to this latitude, can, with proper care and attention, be grown 
in this county. Agriculture, combined with stock growing and grazing 
are the most profitable industries. 



145 

There is no railroad in the county, though one or more are now in pro- 
cess of location. The nearest railroad station is Barton, on the west side 
of the Alleghany mountains, fifteen miles. A branch of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio railroad from Ronceverte to Elkins, West Virginia, passes near the 
western border of Highland, and is of inestimable value to the transporta- 
tion facilities of the people, both freight and passenger. 

Transportation is confined mainly to wagoning on the Staunton and 
Parkersburg turnpike eastward to Staunton, and from southern part of the 
county to the Hot Springs and Millboro. 

Iron, coal and marble are known to exist in abundance in the county; 
and probably other valuable minerals will be found when access to market 
will justify more extended explorations. 

Another of the splendid natural resources of the county awaiting conven- 
ient transportation facilities is the timber, large quantities of the most 
valuable of which are to be found; such as walnut, cherry, oak, poplar, lynn 
and other species. 

The numerous streams forming the head waters of the Potomac and the 
James rivers have their source in this elevated watershed of the two 
rivers, and furnish an abundant water supply, and excellent water power, 
besides abounding in fish of the choicest fresh water varieties. 

Manufactories consist of two sash and door factories, which also dress 
large quantities of lumber for building and other purposes; several fine 
flouring mills, equipped with modern machinery; and a large number of 
sawmills. 

A fine mineral spring, which is gaining prominence on account of its 
curative properties and pleasant bathing, is situated in the southern part 
of the county. 

The climate is healthful and invigorating; delightful in summer, moderate 
in winter for the altitude, and free from destructive wind storms. Water 
in the greater part of the county is exceptionally fine. It is well supplied 
with churches and schools — an academy at McDowell, and graded schools 
at Monterey and Doe Hill. Nearly all the principal neighborhoods of 
the county have telephone communication with the outside world, and most 
of the postoffices have daily mail. Progress is being made along all lines, 
especially in agriculture, horticulture, and stock raising; and farmers are 
supplying themselves liberally with improved machinery for agricultural 
purposes. This county is gradually coming to the front. A great deal of 
residential and other building is steadily going on. The people are genial 
and hospitable, and there is no place where a living can be more easily 
made, and where the people enjoy more the comforts of life. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 5,647. Increase since census of 
1890, 295. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 1,335. 

Monterey, the county seat, is located in the central portion of the county, 
forty-six miles from Staunton on the Staunton and Parkersburg turnpike. 
It is a very pretty, busy little town of 246 inhabitants, and each year new 
buildings are being erected. During the past year two steam factories 
were built for the manufacture of lumber for building purposes — sash. 
doors, etc — and it contains, besides two wagon factories, a furniture fac- 
tory, newspaper, and several public schools and fraternal orders. 

McDowell, nine miles southeast of Monterey, is a flourishing village of 
136 inhabitants, and shows considerable improvement in the last few 
years'. 

New Hampden is another village, nine miles from the courthouse, in 
Crabbottom, a famous blue-grass valley; and Doe Hill another, in the 
northern part of the county. 

10 




m 


0) 




Ph 


>4< 

O 


o 
O 


Ed 




M 


it! 


P3 






fl 






H 


au 






K 




■<) 


k* 



as 

W fin 



SijSSii'tsSfe. 



147 

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY. 

This county was one of the original shires into which Virginia was divid- 
ed in 1634. It is situated on the south side of the lower James river, 98 
miles southeast of Richmond but only 50 miles air line; and extends from 
the James river, its northern boundary, to within eight miles of the North 
Carolina line. 

It is thirty-five miles long, with a mean width of about ten miles, and 
contains an area of 352 square miles. The surface is generally level, the 
soil from gray medium to light sandy loam, easily tilled and productive. 

Farm products are corn, oats, peanuts, and potatoes. All the large and 
small fruits, melons and vegetables, find here a soil and climate admirably 
adapted to their growth and perfection. Large quantities of these are ship- 
ped from this county to the northern cities. 

Poultry succeeds well, embracing everything from the turkey to the 
guinea fowl; and game is abundant; the streams furnishing geese, ducks, 
swans, and other water-fowls; the swamps, sora, woodcock and snipe. The 
fish and oyster industry is large and valuable; large quantities of fish are 
taken in the spring and shipped to northern markets. Trucking is exten- 
sively engaged in, especially in the eastern portion of the county. This 
industry, its fisheries and its peanut crop, constitute the most important 
productions of the county. Of stock raised, hogs are the most important, 
of which it produces a considerable number. The Smithfield hams have 
a world-wide reputation. 

Market advantages are exceptionally good, both by water and by rail. 
Water transportation is furnished by the Old Dominion Steamship Com- 
pany, and by sailing vessels that ply in the numerous inland streams, al- 
most to their very source. Railroads are the Norfolk and Western, the Sea- 
board Air Line, and the Atlantic Coast Line, which traverse almost all 
sections. These roads, together with the navigable waters, place all parts 
of the county within easy and quick communication with the markets of the 
whole country. 

This county has valua jle and extensive deposits of marl, which is used 
widely, particularly for peanut culture and for clover. 

The timber supply is very good, consisting of the usual varieties. Con- 
siderable quantities of pine, cypress, juniper, gum, etc., are sold in the 
Norfolk and Portsmouth markets. 

Ample drainage and water supply is afforded by the James river on the 
northeast border, the Blackwater on the southern, and their numerous 
tributaries flowing from the center; these afford a sufficiency of water 
power in every neighborhood for saw and grist mills. The climate is mild, 
salubrious and not subject to rapid variations of temperature; health as 
good as any portion of tidewater ; water abundant, from never-failing 
springs of freestone, fresh and pure. 

The county is well supplied with churches of the various denominations. 
One of the most interesting relics of the past, especially to the antiquarian, 
is St. Luke's church, which stands in the forest five miles from Smith- 
field. Built by European hands in 1632, it is perhaps the oldest church 
in Virginia, and said to be the oldest in America. Educational advan- 
tages are very favorable, consisting of two academies of high grade, and a 
good system of public schools. Telephone service is excellent; every village 
connecting, and many private telephones. Mail facilities are all that could 
be desired, and the financial condition is good. In progress and general 
advancement there has been marked improvement in this county within 
the last decade. 

Population, census of 1900, 13,102. Increase since census of 1890, 1,789. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3.200. 

Isle of Wight, the county seat, is an inland country village of about 
fifty inhabitants, located near the center of the county, about eight miles 



148 

from Windsor and seven from Smithfield; its nearest markets, Suffolk 
and Norfolk. Windsor station is also a town of some importance on the 
Norfolk and Western railroad. 

Smithfield is, however, the largest town and shipping point in the county. 
It is situated at the confluence of Cypress and Pagan creeks, four miles- 
from James river, with navigable water to the town. It was an im- 
portant trading post long before it was incorporated in 1752. It has a 
population, census of 1900, of 1,225; an increase of 334 since census of 1890; 
while, at present, it would number about 1,800. It has two banks, fifty- 
stores, factories, churches, schools, and all the industries that accompany 
a busy town. 

Smithfield is known first of all for its celebrated hams, which have been 
on the market ov jr a hundred years ; and now, each year, there are packed 
and shipped from here about ninety thousand of the finest hams that are 
known to the world, some of which are shipped to Europe. However, the 
main enterprise of the town is the peanut business, employing large num- 
bers of hands at its factories, that are said to be the largest in the State. 
and probably in the world. There are, on an average, at least eighteen 
hundred bags of factory hand-picked and cleaned peanuts shipped from 
here daily, the business having increased so much in the past few years, 
that for five years there have been two daily steamers required to 
transport them from this place. 

Besides steamers, many sailing vessels are employed in the trade of 
this place, which embraces the shipment of a large amount of lumber, 
potatoes, fruit, eggs, flour, oysters, and fish; also a large trade in cattle, 
sheep, farm products, truck, etc. 

During the past few years there were several new business houses 
erected and at least fifty new residences, many of which are very handsome 
and costly; an ice plant, water works, and a large and well-equipped gas 
plant. 



JAMES CITY COUNTY. 

This county was one of the original shires into which Virginia was di- 
vided in 1634; and here, at Jamestown, 1607, was the first settlement by 
the English in this country. The principal portion of the county lies along 
the north side of the lower James river; one portion extending across the 
peninsula to the York river on the northwest. It is distant from Richmond 
forty-five miles, and contains an area of 160 square miles. 

The surface is generally level, with comparatively a small per cent, in 
cultivation; soil, silicious with a mixture of clay, and naturally fertile. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, oats, peanuts and potatoes. Grass suc- 
ceeds fairly well, especially clover. All the fruits common to this latitude 
are successfully cultivated; also melons, truck, etc. Trucking is exten- 
sively carried on, and is one of the profitable industries of the county 

Game is abundant in field, forest and stream, and the sportsman could 
not find a more inviting country. Those of the rural population not engaged 
in the cultivation of the soil, are employed in oystering and fishing; and 
these latter may be considered the most profitable industries of the county. 
Fish of all the valuable species are very abundant in all the waters ; and 
from York river, oysters of fine size and quality are obtained. These 
industries give employment to a laige number of men, and afford desirable 
articles of food for the inhabitants. In stock, sheep do very well. 

Market advantages, by rail or water, are ample and convenient. Trans- 
portation facilities are very convenient to every section; with steam and 
sail vessels on the James and York rivers on either side, and the Chesapeake 
and Ohio railroad passing through the center from east to west. 



149 

Marl is found of good quality, and in large quantity, also fine brick and 
other clays. 

The timber of the county has been exhausted to a considerable extent; 
yet there still remains some valuable pine and a fair supply of hardwoods, 
such as oak, hickory and maple. Sawmills and grist mills, in sufficient 
numbers to meet the demands, are distributed over the county. 

The climate is equable, the temperature being so equalized by surrounding 
large bodies of water that the extremes in summer and winter are avoided. 
Health is unsurpassed; and water supplied from artesian and ordinary 
wells is very good. Churches are numerous, representing the different 
Protestant denominations. Public schools are reasonably convenient to all 
parts of the county. Telephone service is ample, both local and long 
distance, and mail facilities are good. Progress and advancement has been 
general and rapid. The financial condition is excellent. 

Population, including city of Williamsburg, census of 1900, 5,732. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 1,517. 

Williamsburg, the county seat, is located on the Chesapeake and Ohio 
railroad, in the southern portion of the county, about midway between the 
•York and the James rivers; and is the oldest incorporated city in the 
State, having been settled in 1632. In 1698 the seat of government was 
moved from Jamestown to Williamsburg, and it continued the capital 
until 1779, when it was removed to Richmond. 

Williamsburg was once the center of the wealth, fashion and learning 
of the Old Dominion; the influence of which has left its impress, not only 
upon the inhabitants of the city and surrounding country, but 
upon the State at large, in the men of State and National reputation 
that have gone out from its ancient seat of learning. William and Mary 
College, which is located here, and is the oldest collegiate institute in the 
United States — with the exception of Harvard College — was founded in 1693, 
and dates from the time of England's sovereigns, William and Mary, who 
contributed to its endowment, and for whom it was named. This institu- 
tion has been three times destroyed by fire; the last time by the Federal 
soldiers during the late war; but it was rebuilt by private subscription, 
and is still doing a noble work. The Eastern Lunatic Asylum, founded 
in 1773, is also located here. It is a State institution containing a large 
number of patients and now in full tide of activity. There are numerous 
churches, the most noted of which is Bruton Parish church, which con- 
tains the fount from which Pocahontas was baptized; also several fraternal 
orders; a prosperous high school, and several public and private schools. 
Under the head of "Cities" will be found a more detailed account of this his- 
toric place. 

Other towns of the county are Toano and Green Spring. At the former, 
a large flouring mill and a sawmill have been erected, and trucking is 
extensively carried on in the vicinity. At Green Spring, a large lumber plant 
is in operation, turning out daily many thousand feet of fine lumber, be- 
sides a great deal of the finished product. 

In this county are some noted points and relics of antiquity. Of the 
former, nothing possesses more interest than Jamestown, which was settled, 
May 13, 1607, by Captain John Smith and his companions. Of this deeply 
interesting spot, little had remained but a churchyard and the ruins of an 
old church till the present year, when in preparation for the Jamestown 
tricentennial a handsome new church and hotel have been built. Another 
curious relic of the past is the old stone house, on Ware creek, a tributary 
of the York, which is supposed to have been built by Captain John Smith. 
This county was the scene of two battles fought during the Revolution; 
the first June 25, 1781, at Spencer's Ordinary; the other near Green Spring, 
once the elegant home of Sir William Berkeley. It also felt the shock of 
battle at Fort Magruder during the late war, May 4 and 5, 1862. 



150 

iMNG AND QUEEN COUNTY. 

King and Queer, county was formed in 1691 from New Kent, during the 
reign of William and Mary, on account of «hich it takes its name. 
This is an eastern county, thirty miles northeast from Richmond; it lies be- 
tween the Mattapony and Piankatank rivers, and is about sixty miles long 
by ten miles wide; area 336 square miles. 

Surface along the river is level; the back county undulating and some- 
times hilly; about thirty per cent, in cultivation; soil, gray and chocolate 
loam, and variable in Quality and productiveness. Some lands are heavy 
and stiff; others light. The river lands, which constitute a large part of 
the area, are very productive; and the extensive beds of marl found here 
furnish ready and permanent means of improvement. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye and hay. Some of the light 
lands produce profitable crops of peas, which are also used as a fallow crop. 
f 6ome good tobacco is raised in the upper portion of the county, and its 
cultivation is gradually extending. Many of the farmers grow good crops 
of clover, timothy, and orchard grass hay; and stock for domestic use is 
raised. Sheep husbandry is especially profitable. Frjiis and veseta les are 
in great variety and abundance. The adaptability of the soil and con- 
venient water transportation are rapidly developing fruit culture and trucks 
for markets, especially Irish and sweet potatoes, to which the lands seem 
specially adapted. These may very profitably be classed as among the 
most profitable industries of the county. 

Fish also, principally shad and herring, constitute a large item in the 
production and exports of the county, and in the lower parts of the county, 
on York river, large quantities of the best of oysters are caught, and the 
business is so profitable as often to engage the attention of the people of 
that section to the neglect of their agricultural interests. 

There is only one railroad in the county, namely, the Southern to West 
Point; but this necessity is supplied by convenient and economical water 
transportation on its two rivers, the Mattapony and Piankatank, which 
also afford ample drainage and water supply. 

Timber is abundant, and consists of the usual varieties, such as pine, 
oak, hickory, walnut, beach, ash, poplar, etc. There is considerable trade 
in lumber, also in cord wood and railroad ties. Quite a lucrative busi- 
ness is carried on in sumac leaves, which find a ready market at good 
prices. 

The county is amply supplied with grain mills for all domestic pur- 
poses. 

Climate is mild, enablirg the farmer to engage in out-door work the 
year round; health good, with no disease peculiar to this locality except oc- 
casional chills and fevers. The county is well supplied with public schools 
and numerous churches of the different denominations. 

Population, census of 1900, 9,265. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 1,924. 

King and Queen, the county seat, is located in the southern part of the 
county, near the Mattapony river. It is a small country village of about 
fifty inhabitants, and has a mill, church, and several machine shops. Its 
nearest market is Richmond. 

There is much to recommend this county to the home seeker. Society is 
good; the people are educated, refined and religious; and there are few 
sections in which the people live more easily and enjoy a higher standard 
of comfort, than here in the tidewater section of Virginia. The forests 
furnish game, the rivers the finest of fish, and the land nearly everything 
else necessary for comfortable subsistence. 

In addition to what has been said of the trucking interests of King and 
Queen county, it is worthy of note that there are in successful operation 
a cannery at Mantapike, and a pickle factory at Walkerton, besides several 



151 

brineries in different parts of the county. Large quantities of tomatoes 
and English peas are produced for the former, as well as small fruits 
and berries; and for the latter, cucumbers, melons and gherkins. 

There are a number of villages through the length of the county, 
namely, Newtown, Owenton, Indian Neck, Biscoe, Saint Stephens, Walker- 
ton, Stevensville, Cumnor, Little Plymouth, Centreville, Buena Vista, 
and Plainview. 

Telephone lines have been partially installed, and are now in successful 
operation, with one or more other lines projected. 



KING GEORGE COUNTY. 

King George county was formed in 1720 from Richmond county. It lies 
in the northeastern portion of the State, forty-five miles from Richmond, 
and forms a part of the peninsula known as the Northern Neck. It is 
bordered on the north by the Potomac river, which separates it from the 
State of Maryland; and on the south by the Rappahannock river, which 
forms the boundary between it and Caroline and Essex; with Westmore- 
land and the Potomac on the east, and Stafford on the west; and con- 
tains an area of 183 square miles. 

A rather small proportion (about twenty per cent.) of the land is in cul- 
tivation. The surface is rolling; lands generally good, especially on the 
rivers, and easily cultivated. 

Farms products are corn, wheat, tobacco, rye, oats, and potatoes, of 
which considerable quantities are produced. Commercial fertilizers are 
generally used. Fruits of all kinds yield and pay well in this section, 
small fruits, grapes and berries, receiving increased attention. The produc- 
tion of truck and vegetables is yearly increasing, the rich river lands being 
specially adapted to their production. Stock succeeds finely, especially 
sheep; owing to the mild climate very little provender is required for 
them. 

This county has no railroads, but this deficiency is amply supplied by 
its splendid water navigation. With the Potomac on its northern border, 
and the Rappahannock on its southern, it has a frontage of twenty miles 
on each river at convenient points, upon which steamers and sail vessels 
touch for freight and passengers to and from Fredericksburg, Alexandria, 
Washington, Norfolk and Baltimore. Besides the valuable transportation 
facilities afforded by these streams they furnish large resources in fish, 
oysters and wild fowl; the first ranking as one of the most important in- 
dustries of the county. 

Marl of various kinds is found in abundance, and has been successfully 
used for many years as a fertilizer. 

A very small proportion of the county is in original timber, the greater 
portion yet remaining, being on the water courses. 

There are grain mills sufficient for the needs of the people; mercantile 
establishments are numerous; good telephone service from Fredericksburg 
through the county; and a large number of churches of various denomina- 
tions. 

Population, census of 1900, 6,918. Increase since census of 1890, 277. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 1,541. 

King George, the county seat, is a small village of about thirty inhabit- 
ants located in the central part of the county. It has a school, churches, 
and fraternal order. 

The means of plenteous, and even luxurious, living are abundant in 
this county; and, with its fine natural advantages, and low-priced lands, 
it offers splendid inducements for investment or a home. There are some 
large and valuable estates in the county, and when for sale, they can be 
bought for much less than their intrinsic value. 



152 

KING WILLIAM COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1701 from King and Queen; and is situated 
twenty miles northeast from Richmond, on a narrow peninsula between the 
Mattapony and Pamunkey rivers, which unite at West Point to form 
the York. It is thirty miles long with an average of about eight miles 
in width, and contains an area of 246 square miles. 

The lands are now being offered at a very low price, which will not con- 
tinue any great length of time, as present prices are attracting investors 
from the north and west. 

The surface is level on the rivers; otherwise rolling. About forty per 
cent, of the land is under cultivation; the soil generally light chocolate, 
with clay subsoil, and very productive, especially on and near the rivers. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, tobacco, oats, peanuts, peas, potatoes, 
etc. Clover, timothy, millet, alfalfa, and other hay crops do well, and hay 
may be considered one of the staple products of the county. Fruits of 
all varieties are grown, and melons and early vegetables are quite profitable. 
Trucking, especially in the lower end of the county, is one of its chief oc- 
cupations; and is found very profitable, owing to easy and quick marketing 
facilities. 

In this portion of the county, the fish and oyster industry is a very 
important and profitable one. All the choice varieties of fish, such as shad, 
herring, rock, trout, etc., are supplied by the Mattapony and Pamun- 
key rivers, which bound two sides of the county. Water fowls are also 
abundant; and poultry does well and is profitable, especially for the early 
market. Stock raising is very successfully engaged in on the large farms, 
especially those on the Mattapony and Pamunkey rivers, which are well 
adapted to this industry. 

This county has good shipping facilities, and market advantages, by rail 
or water ; with the York river branch of the Southern railway, and with 
steamers and sail vessels traversing both rivers. Regular lines ply between 
West Point and Baltimore and Norfolk, by way of York river. 

Large deposits of marl are found in many sections, which has been used 
with much benefit to the soil. The greensand along the Pamunkey is one of 
nature's best restorers, producing splendid results wherever applied, and 
large quantities are shipped on the river. 

About ten per cent of the area is in original timber, and consists of yel- 
low pine, oak, hickory, poplar, chestnut, beech, ash, and some walnut. It 
is utilized for cord wood, for staves and for lumber. 

Abundant water and drainage are furnished by the Mattapony and Pa- 
munkey, and their tributaries. Manufactories located in different parts 
of the county are corn and flour mills, sawmills, planing mills, veneering 
mills, pickling industries. Several large oyster houses are found here, and 
also a large banking company. Most of the above are new enterprises 
recently established. 

The climate is mild in winter and pleasant in summer; the health of 
the county will compare favorably with other sections of the State; 
water is good and abundant; churches numerous and of nearly all denomi- 
nations; schools are conveniently situated all over the county, and in suc- 
cessful operation; county roads are being rapidly improved with road ma- 
chinery, and a systematic plan of working; telephone service is good, both 
local and long distance; mail facilities ample; taxes are light and assess- 
ments low; financial condition excellent, with healthy surplus; and in farm 
products and industries, this county is exhibiting considerable progress. 

Population, census of 1900, 8,380. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 1,825. 

King William, the county seat, is twenty-seven miles northeast from 
Richmond, and two miles from the Mattapony river. It is a small country 
village, with a public school and church. 



153 

The chief town cf the county is West Point, situated at the ex- 
treme southeast portion of the county, at the confluence of the Matta- 
pony and the Pamunkey, and at the terminus of the York river division 
of the Southern railwav. It is an enterprising town of 1,307 inhabi- 
tants, census of 1900, and located on deep water navigation at the head of 
York river, has the best of harbors, with water of sufficient depth for the 
largest ocean steamers, and with extensive wharves, where ships are regu- 
larly loaded with cotton, flour, lumber, etc., for Europe and South America. 
There are also several large lines of steamers from this point to New 
York, Boston and Baltimore, and a weekly lire to the head of navigation on 
the Mattapony river. West Point suffered a considerable lost last fall 
in the burning of the cellulose factory located at that place; but in spite 
of this misfortune it has gone steadily forward, and is now on a firmer basis 
than it has been for many years. The large pickling establishment and the 
wood- working factory located here are actively employed; and the oyster 
business is constantly increasing. Improvements have been going on at 
Beach Park, and muoh will be done to make it an attractive summer re- 
sort. There is not a vacant house in the town for rent, though there is a 
great demand for them. 



LANCASTER COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1651 from Northumberland, and is located 
in the northeastern part of the State, on the north bank of the Rappa- 
hannock river, and on the Chesapeake bay, fifty miles from Norfolk, and 
sixty miles air line from Richmond. 

It contains an area of 137 square miles — 80,486 acres, 8S5 farms. Are age 
size farms sixty acres; farm lands from averaged assessed value $8.00 per 
acre. 

Surface is mostly level, but in some parts rolling; soil a sandy loam 
with clay subsoil, and is easily improved with clover and peas and the ju- 
dicious use of fertilizers. Farm products are wheat, corn, oats, peas, po- 
tatoes, varied trucks and grasses ; of which trucking is the most important 
and profitable owing to cheap transportation rates; but some of the lands 
produce fine crops of corn and wheat. Fruits of all kinds are abundant, 
and early fruits and berries are especially profitable, owing to proximity 
to Baltimore, Washington, and other markets. The most important 
source of profit and support to the people is the fish and oyster interest, 
and this industry is attracting to the county considerable numbers of set- 
tlers from other counties of the State, and from other States. As one of the 
counties of that isolated peninsula known as the Northern Neck of Virginia, 
there are no railroads; but water transportation facilities are excellent and 
cheap, with steamers plying between Baltimore. Norfolk and Fredericks- 
burg, which touch at the various landings in the county. In recent years 
the introduction of naphtha and gasolene boats has brought this section 
into closer communication with the rest of the State, and made mail 
facilities among the best. 

Live stock of the county consist of horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; all 
of which are raised to some extent; but poultry raising is perhaps at- 
tracting nest attention on account of easy access to market and the' 
great demand for eggs in the northern markets. Wild water fowls and rab- 
bits are also shipped in great quantities from this section. 

Timbers are oak, hickory, chestnut, dogwood, poplar, pine and holly, of 
which a considerable amount is shipped; also a large quantity of cord 
wood. 

Ample water supply and drainage are furnished by the numerous creeks, 
-tributaries of the Rappahannock river, and Chesapeake bav from the inte- 
rior of the county. Manufactories and enterprises are a large number of 



154 

grist mills, sawmills, fruit and vegetable canneries, fish factories, manufac- 
turing guano and oil, and numerous oyster packers, shipping the raw oysters 
on ice to northern and western cities. 

The climate is mild, health good; the county remarkably free of low and 
swampy places; water clear and pure, from artesian wells, ordinary wells, 
and springs ; churches are numerous and conveniently located ; educa- 
tional advantages consist of public schools, and the Chesapeake Academy, 
a large preparatory school of high curriculum. Telephone facilities are 
ample, connecting with telegraph at Fredericksburg; and financial condition 
of the county excellent. In progress and general advancement conditions 
are very encouraging. 

Population, census of 1900, 8,949. Increase since census of 1890, 1,758. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,192. 

Lancaster, the county seat, is located in the northern part of the county. 
It has a population of about seventy-five, a church and a public and pri- 
vate school. 

Other towns are Whealton, in the western end of the county; Kilmarnock, 
in the central part; and Irvington and Whitestone near the mouth of 
the Rappahannock. Irvington has a population of 1,100, probably the 
largest town between Fredericksburg and the Chesapeake bay. Here 
are located an academy, churches, public schools, canneries, fish factory, 
a national bank, home office of a fire association, and the only newspaper 
in that section, The Virginia Citizen. 



LEE COUNTY: 

This county was formed in 1792 from Russell and named in honor of 
Henry Lee, then Governor of Virginia. It lies on the southeastern slope of 
the Cumberland mountains, in the extreme southwest corner of the State. 
450 miles from Richmond; having Kentucky on the north and west, 
Tennessee on the south, Scott and Wise counties in the east, and is marked 
at its extreme western limit by the widely known Cumberland Gap. 

The county is sixty miles in length, by seventeen in breadth, and contains 
an area of 433 square miles. Undeveloped lands may be had from $5 to 
$10 per acre. Average assessed value, $4 per acre. 

The surface is hilly, and some parts mountainous, especially the western 
part, but the mountains are generally rich to the top. The soil is l : me- 
stone and sandstone, and while a large proportion of the county is very 
fertile and productive, the two principal valleys in the eastern part are 
especially noted in this respect. About one-half the area, of the county is 
in cultivation, and produces abundant crops of corn, wheat, oats, rye, po- 
tatoes, hay, etc. Some attention is also paid to the cultivation of to- 
bacco of fine grades. Average yield of corn, twenty-five bushels per acre; 
best crops are from fifty to seventy- five bushels per acre. Wheat yields six 
to thirty bushels per acre. 

This is a fine grass county for both the cultivated grasses and the indig- 
enous blue grass, especially in the eastern portion. The broad and beau- 
tiful valleys in this section which have been for many years cultivatd in 
corn, have been principally converted into grazing lands ; and the county is 
now rapidly coming to the front in the production of horses, sheep and cat- 
tle, having an annual surplus of 6,000 sheep and 5,000 cattle, the great pro- 
portion being stock cattle. This county has also ranked among the first in 
the State in the production of hogs. Considerable attention is being paid 
to the cultivation of fruit, having at least 2.500 acres in orchards of the 
various varieties. Fruit growing and stock raising rank as the most profit- 
able industries of the county. 

The Louisville and Nashville railroad extends through the entire lensrth 
of the county, affording excellent railroad facilities. The Virginia and 
Southwestern, also, extends through a small portion of the county. 



155 

Lee is well watered by Powell's river and its tributaries. In the south- 
eastern and eastern comers, Black Water and Wild Cat creeks flow through 
small sections of the county. These streams offer a large number of fine wa- 
ter powers, affording from 60 to 250 cubic feet of water per second. Powell's 
river towards its lower end, in the county, is navigable through the winter 
months for bateaux, and furnishes transportation for large quantities of 
grain and forest products, 50,000 bushels of wheat being shipped in this 
way during the winter season. This method of transportation, however, 
has been largely superseded by railroads. 

This county is rich in minerals ; such as iron, coal, lead, zinc, lime- 
stone, barytes, kaolin; but the most important are the iron and coil, which 
with proper development, will be a source of vast wealth to the county. 
To an almost unlimited extent of fossil red iron ores, are added extensive 
deposits of brown ores, and of coals. It contains some of the finest known 
veins of bituminous splint and cannel coal. There are also mineral waters — 
chalybeate, white, red and black sulphur — but not important to any great 
extent. 

This county is not surpassed in the extent of its timber products; and 
with increased transportation facilities, this will form one of its most 
important resources. There are large quantities of oak, poplar, wal- 
nut, cherry, ash, cedar, beech, chestnut, hickory, dogwood, maple, etc. The 
seemingly boundless forests stretch unbroken for miles. The lower portion 
of the county is noted for the extent a v d size of its cedar timber. Manu- 
factories consist of saw mills, and four fine flouring mills. 

Some of the caves of this county, especially in the great limestone belt of 
Powell's valley, are worthy of notice, as among the most marvellous in the 
world for their great extent and wonderful beauty. One, King Solomon's, 
a few miles from Jonesville, the county seat, is said to rival the Mam- 
moth Cave in extent, and to excel the Luray in gorgeous splendor of 
decoration. 

Climate is mild; summers not oppressive, winters not severe; health, ex- 
cellent; water the best, freestone and limestone. It is well supplied with 
churches of the various denominations. Educational advantages consist of 
a large number of piiblic free schools, which run six months in the year, 
and several high schools. The county is almost a network of telephone 
lines, and mail facilities are good. Progress and general advancement in 
the county is shown in the steady improvement of the lands and buildings 
and in improved methods of farming, with introduction of farm machinerv. 
Financial conditions also are favorable, the county being out of debt with 
some surplus. 

Population, census of 1900, 19,856. Increase since census of 1890, 1,640. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 4,163. 

Nature has left nothing undone to stamp the area covered by Lee county 
as one of its most favored localities; and, with all its splendid natural ad- 
vantages, it must excite surprise that no more strenuous efforts have been 
made heretofore to open them up to commerce. Could it now have the 
number of furnaces and mining and timbering stations of which it is 
capable, it would rank as one of the foremost counties west of the Blue 
Ridge; and the only conditions wanting are capital, enterprise, and ac- 
cessibility to market. 

Jonesville. the county seat, is a thriving village of six hundred inhabit- 
ants, located about the middle of the county, within four miles of Ben 
Hur station on the Louisville and Nashville railroad ; and is a center of 
trade for the valuable farming sections which surround it. It has 
numerous stores of general merchandise, saw and planing mills, -flour mills, 
tannery and buggy factory. 

Pennington Gap, a new town, is the largest town of the county, population 
about 1,000. 



157 

LOUDOUN COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1757, from Fairfax. It is the northernmost 
of the Piedmont counties, 100 miles north of Richmond, and lies on the 
eastern slope of the Blue Ridge mountains. 

It contains an area of 519 square miles. Average size farms 160 acres. 
Loudoun's real estate value exceeds that of almost any county in the State, 
aggregating about $7,000,000. The surface is varied, with mountains, 
gently sloping hills, and broad valleys. About sixty per cent, of the 
lard is under cultivation, of which the greater part is exceedingly fertile; 
soil, clay and loam, with some sand. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, rye, oats, hay, etc. Average yield of wheat 
is about twenty bushels, and of corn, thirty-five bushels per acre; though 
fifty and sixty bushels of the latter are not an unusual yield. This county 
takes first rank in the production of corn, and third in amount of wheat 
and grass raised in the State. Blue grass, also, is indigenous here, rivaling 
the best blue grass lands of Kentucky. 

Much attention is paid to improved breeds of horses, cattle, sheep and 
hogs; and large numbers of sheep and cattle are grazed annually. This 
county stands first in its wool clip, and third in the number of horses 
raised, of which there are many blooded, with fine records. Loudoun ranks 
first in the number of her milch cows, and the amount of butter made; and 
large quantities of milk and cream are shipped daily to Washington. 

Fruits of the various kinds grow in great abundance, and bring heavy re- 
turns when properly attended to. The county also ranks high in this in- 
dustry. This is strictly an agricultural county, grain, and stock raising 
being the chief interests; and it is probably not exceeded in the State for 
good farming. Markets are Baltimore, Washington, Georgetown, and Alex- 
andria, which are convenient and accessible. 

The Washington and Ohio division of the Southern railway traverses 
the central portion of the county from east to west, and furnishes an 
outlet for the products of this splendid county. 

Minerals are iron, copper, soapstone, hydraulic lime, and marble; the 
latter, especially, is very fine. Timber is abundant, consisting principally 
of oak, hickory, walnut and chestnut. 

This county is well watered by the Potomac, which skirts its entire north- 
ern border, and its numerous tributaries; which also furnish fine water- 
power if properly utilized. Manufactories consist principally of flour mills 
and some wood-working industries. 

The climate is pleasant and rather more genial than other sections of the 
same latitude, being on the eastern and southern slope of the Blue Ridge, 
and protected by it. The health of the county is good, and the water from 
springs and wells, of excellent quality, and abundant. Farm lands ar? 
exceedingly well watered, it being a rare occurrence that a farm is found 
which has not running water in every field. Churches of the various de- 
nominations are numerous ; a good public school system exists, and some 
higher grade schools; mail facilities are ample, and all parts of the 
county connected by telephone; public roads and turnpikes are excel- 
lent, and the financial condition of the county very favorable. 

Population, census of 1900, 21,948. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 5,482. 

Progress in Loudoun for several years has been marked. Real estate 
values have noticeably advanced. Farms have been purchased by new 
comers from Southwest Virginia, New York and other sections. This is 
one of the most beautiful fertile portions of the State, with thrifty and 
prosperous farmers, many of them wealthy. 

Leesburg, the county seat, is a thriving town of 1,513 inhabitants (census 
of 1900), located on the Washington and Ohio division of the Southern 
railway, thirty-eight miles from Alexandria and forty-one miles from 



159 

VV ashington City. It has paved streets, water works and electric lights, 
numerous churches and fraternal orders, flour mills, public schools, news- 
papers, and banks; the latter, especially, is a strong and progressive 
feature of the town, the People's National Bank being one of the largest 
banks in the State outside the cities; also the Loudoun National Bank is 
a very strong institution; and has recently erected a commodius building 
on the principal corner of the town. 

Another strong banking institution is located at Purcellville, this county, 
with a handsome bank building. This town and Bluemont have been par- 
ticularly prosperous, a number of new business houses and residences hav- 
ing been erected in each. Other towns are: 

Hamilton, population, census of 1900, 364; Waterford, population, cen- 
sus of 1900, 383; Middleburg, population, census of 1900, 29(3; Hills- 
boro, population, census of 1900, 131; Lovetteville, population, census of 
1900, 90, now 250; Round Hill, population, census of 1900, 200, now 203; 
Lincoln (a new town), population, now 100. 



LOUISA COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1742 from Hanover. It is situated in Middle 
Virginia, in what is known as the Piedmont section, forty miles northwest 
from Richmond. 

It is thirty miles long and about eighteen miles wide, and contains an 
area of 529 square miles. The lands, in the main, are yet in the hands of 
the ante-bellum owners, or their descendants, and prospective purchasers 
have not had a chance to purchase the best lands. When these lands 
come into market, as they are gradually doing, the price will advance; but 
now, small farms or unimproved lands sell very cheap, and on easy terms. 

The surface is gently undulating and about one-half oi the land is under 
cultivation. The soil is generally a granite or gray soil, with clay sub- 
soil and of good quality. In the western part of the county the lands 
are very fertile, and embrace the noted Green Springs district, supposed 
to be the bed of an ancient lake. Along the borders of the streams are 
many wide and fertile flats, while on the uplands may be found almost 
every variety and quality of soil. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, oats, tobacco, potatoes, hay, etc., all 
of which are very successfully produced; especially tobacco, which is 
the staple crop of the county, over 2,000,000 pounds being produced an- 
nually, and of a grade known far and wide as the best type of shipping and 
manufacturing tobacco. Violet growing is proving to be a profitable 
horticultural interest; in recent years the soil has been found to be es- 
pecially adapted to this industry, and especially is this true of the Green 
Springs section. Fruits of every variety are successfully grown, especially 
small fruits, grapes, berries and melons. 

The convenience of the Richmond market renders dairying and poultry 
raising sources of considerable profit to the people. Stock raising and 
grazing are specialties with some of the farmers, and the western, or Green 
Springs section is also specially adapted to this industry. 

Railroad facilities are ample, and are furnished by the Chesapeake & 
Ohio, which extends almost through the entire length of the county; and 
the Southern, skirting the western end. These bring the county in to conve- 
nient communication with Richmond City, its principal market, and with 
the country north and west. 

This county is rich in minerals, such as gold, copper, iron, mica, soap- 
stone, ochre, and pyrites. Gold has been mined with varying success, and 
often profitably. A mica vein has also been worked, and extensive beds 
of iron ore lie contiguous to the Chesapeake and Ohio railway. The three 



160 



sulphur or pyrites mines, near Mineral, in this county, are worked more 
extensively than any other mines of the sort in the United. States, employ- 
ing large numbers of men. 

Timber consists of oak, pine, poplar, hickory, walnut, maple, ash; and 
second growth pine abounds to a considerable extent. 

The county is well watered by the North and South Anna rivers, and 
their tributaries, which also furnish abundant water power. Good flour 
and corn mills are located in every neighborhood. Public spirit and en- 
terprise is shown in the erection of three splendid iron bridges over the 
rivers. 

There are numerous fine residences and a tobacco factory. The climate 
is delightful, having the milder Piedmont, blended with the pleasant cli- 




GRAPES GROWING IN SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA. 



mate of Midland Virginia. Health, there, can hardly be better. The water 
is delightful and abundant, from springs and wells. Churches are nu- 
merous, representing all denominations; no neighborhood is without excep- 
tional privileges in this respect. Facilities for a thorough education in 
every branch of study are ample in this county. In addition to a good 
public free school system, there are at several points in the county ex- 
cellent high schools where children from any section of the county may 
enjoy good educational advantages free of charge. Mail facilities and tele 
phone service ample, a good telephone line connecting with all parts cf 
the State. The county roads are receiving extra attention, and marked 



161 

improvement is being made in this respect. The financial condition of the 
county is excellent. The people are public spirited, refined, sociable and 
kind, vieing with one another in hospitality, and "'the latch string hangs 
on the outside" to those who will come and partake of their hospitality 
and home comforts. These and other advantages, such as its great agricult- 
ural and mining resources, challenge comparison with other sections of 
the State in presenting attractions to those in quest of a permanent home. 

Population, census of 1900, 16,517. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 3,679. 

Louisa, the county seat, is situated on the line of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio railway sixty-two miles Avest of Richmond, with which it has com- 
munication both ways by three daily passenger trains. It has a population, 
census of 1900, of 261. It has several mills, churches, fraternal orders, 
a graded public school, a bank, and a newspaper, and is a place of con- 
siderable business. 

There are several smaller towns, including Mineral, a new place, which 
has a good bank, and is growing. 



LUNENBURG COUNTY. 

Lunenburg was formed in 1746 from Brunswick, and is a southern 
county, lying near the North Carolina border, fifty-one miles southwest 
from Richmond. It is thirty miles long with an average width of fifteen 
miles, and contains an area of 471 square miles. 

Lands can be bought very low, and this fact is attracting the atten- 
tion of investors and home seekers. The surface is level, or gently undu- 
lating, and about one-third of the area is in cultivation. Soil a gray- 
ish slate or of sandy texture, easily tilled. Farm products are wheat, corn, 
oats, grass, cotton and tobacco; the last being the most important and 
valuable, and yielding annually two million pounds, of good grade. Cow 
peas and clover also do well, and the soil and climate are well adapted 
to fruits, and the grape. Sheep do well, and rarely need feeding or 
housing. The growing of fine wool should become a profitable industry 
in this county, owing to its favorable conditions of climate, soil, etc. 

Transportation facilities are rather deficient. Nearest railroads are the 
Southern, which passes through the northwest border, and the Mecklenburg 
branch of the same road extending along its western border. 

Fine whetstone is found in the county, but no valuable minerals. The 
timber is very good, consisting of oak, pine, hickory, walnut, maple, 
chestnut and elm. The county is well watered and drained by the Nottoway 
and Meherrin rivers, on the north and the south borders respectively, and by 
their niunerous tributaries, Avhich penetrate the county in all parts, and al- 
so afford many eligible mill sites. 

The health of the county is very good ; the people are kind and hospitable, 
and society is excellent. There are good public schools and churches of the 
different Protestant denominations. 

Population, census of 1900, 11,705. Increase since census of 1890, 333. 
Number of males twenty- one years and over, 2,494. 

Lunenburg, the county seat, is located about the center of the county, 
twenty miles south of Burkeville, a station on the Southern railway, 
with which it has daily communication. 



11 



162 

MADISON COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1792 from Culpeper, and lies on the east 
side of the Blue Ridge mountains, in the northern part of the State, 
sixty-five miles northwest of Richmond. On the northwest is Page, from 
which it is separated by the Blue Ridge mountains ; on the north, Rappa- 
hannock; Culpeper on the east; Orange on the southeast; Greene on the 
southwest, the Rapidan river forming the dividing line. 

It contains an area of 336 square miles; 1,200 farms; average size of farms 
140 acres; assessed value $6.00 per acre.- About one-third of the area is 
in cultivation. 

The surface is rolling; the soil varies from loam, sand and slate, to red 
clay, and is very productive; especially on the rivers, which embrace ex- 
tensive and fertile bottoms. This is an excellent grass and grain producing 
county, and the slopes of the mountains are especially adapted to tobacco, 
potatoes, etc. 

Owing to its exemption from late frosts, this section is especially adapted 
to fruit culture; and the pippin and other valuable apples do well, with 
proper attention. Grape culture is also a profitable industry, especially 
in the section bordering on Orange, the character and quality of the 
soil here being peculiarly favorable to this fruit. Vegetables do well, and 
the dairy product is considerable. 

Nearest railroads are the Chesapeake and Ohio, the Southern, and the 
Norfolk and Western; near the northern, eastern and western boundaries, 
respectively. 

Minerals are iron, copper, ochre and graphite; but none have been fully 
developed. Timbers are chestnut, oak, pine walnut, hickory, ash, etc. 

The county is watered by the Rapidan, Robertson, and Conway rivers, 
and their tributaries. Numerous flouring and grist mills, furniture fac- 
tories, tanneries, a dairy and a cheese factory embrace the most important 
industrial enterprises of the county. 

The Blue Ridge mountains, which extend along the entire northwest 
border, are 3,860 feet above sea level at the highest point. The top and 
slopes furnish excellent grazing when cleared, and cattle there thrive well, 
owing to lower temperature and freedom from insect annoyance. 

Churches and schools are numerous and good. It has macadamized and 
other roads. 

Population, census of 1900, 10,216. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 2,190. 

Madison, the county seat and principal town, occupies an elevated po- 
sition in the center of the county, and commands a picturesque view of the 
surrounding country. It has a population of about five hundred, and is a 
thriving busy town, with graded streets, churches, public schools, newspaper, 
and Masonic lodge. 



MATHEWS COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1790 from Gloucester, and is one of the ex- 
treme eastern counties of the State, lying on the Chesapeake bay, which 
bounds it on the east with Mob jack bay, and North river on the south and 
west, a small portion of Gloucester on the west, and Piankatank river on 
the north, separating it from Middlesex; thus forming a peninsula, united 
to the mainland by a very narrow neck of country. It is twenty miles long 
and nine miles across at the widest point, and contains an area of ninety- 
two square miles. 

Average size of farms is forty acres. Taking all the advantages of lo- 
cality, soil and climate into consideration, land is cheap and desirable, 
selling at from $5 to $30.00 per acre. That, however, lying immediately 



163 

on the water courses, is very valuable, selling at from $20 to $110 per acre, 
if it has an oyster shore attached to it. Average price of improved farm 
lands is about $20 per acre, with an averaged assessed value of $10 per acre. 

The surface is level, soil a sandy loam, easily cultivated and respond- 
ing readily to fertilizers. Farm products are corn, wheat, rye, and oats. 
Fruits do well, but it is particularly adapted to the raising of truck and 
vegetables. 

Poultry raising for the northern markets is profitable, and water and 
marsh birds are abundant; but much the most important and profitable 
products of the county are its fish and oysters, which are a source of large 
revenue, and furnish employment for very many of its inhabitants. It 
ranks as among the first counties of the State in the yield of its fisheries, 
and is also renowned for their superior excellence. 

The nearest railroad station is West Point, in King William county, 
distant about thirty miles; but this deficiency is amply supplied by daily 
steamers from Norfolk and other seaboard cities. 

Shell marl is found in many localities, and utilized to some extent; 
also a species of peet, well adapted to composting, is found in the ravines. 
Principal timbers are pine and oak. 

In addition to the surrounding waters mentioned, the East river, 
extending through the central part of the county, divides it into two 
nearly equal parts called East and West Mathews. 

Churches of the various denominations are conveniently located. Owing 
to prevalence of salt water breezes, the health is good, and this is one 
of the most thickly settled counties in the State. 

Population, census of 1900, 8,239. Increase since census of 1890, 655. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,149. 

Mathews, the county seat, is situated in the eastern part of the county, 
on a branch of the East river, and is a town of considerable importance, 
having a population of about three hundred, a daily mail, graded streets, 
the usual county buildings, stores, etc. 

Hicks Wharf is the next town in importance. 



MECKLENBURG COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1764 from Lunenburg, and is on the 
southern border of the State, ninety miles southwest from Richmond. It 
has an average length of thirty-six miles and a width of twenty miles, and 
contains an area of 640 square miles; about one-third of the lands in 
cultivation. 

Surface is generally undulating, average elevation above sea level about 
five hundred feet; the soil, variable, light sandy to stiff clay, easily 
cultivated, and readily responding to good treatment; along the valleys of 
the streams it is alluvial and exceedingly fertile. 

Farm products are tobacco, peanuts, wheat, corn, oats, cotton, and hay. 
This county ranks third in the State in the yield of tobacco, which is 
three and a half million pounds annually, and of fine grade. The various 
grasses, clover, alfalfa, orchard grass, timothy, etc., grow luxuriantly on 
good soils. Fruits are apples, peaches, pears, apricots, cherries, grapes, 
melons and berries of all kinds, which are produced in abundance, large 
areas being appropriated to orchards and to grape culture. Irish and sweet 
potatoes, and all the garden vegetables can be abundantly grown; also 
poultry does well in this section, and wild game is abundant. Tobacco be- 
ing the leading crop of the county, the farmers have been so absorbed in its 
culture as to neglect other farm industries; but an interest has recently 
been awakened in stock raising; and, owing to the mild climate, and con- 
sequent small cost of raising stock, this industry is destined to assume 
'large and increasing proportions. 



164 

This county is splendidly supplied with railroad facilities. Three 
railroads, the Seaboard Air Line, the Atlantic and Danville and the 
Richmond and Danville branches of the Southern railway, traverse all sec- 
tions of the county, affording ready access to nearest markets, and put- 
ting the county in close touch with the principal cities of the eastern part 
of the State. 

Water navigation is now by bateaux, but will eventually be by steamers, 
on Roanoke, Dan and Staunton rivers ; and these streams, with the Me- 
herrin river on the northern border, and their innumerable tributaries, ren- 
der this one of the finest watered counties in the State, and also afford 
many eligible sites for mills and manufactories. 

In some portions of the county, gold, copper, granite, soapstone, and 
kaolin exist, but are undeveloped. Mineral waters are abundant and noted, 
especially the celebrated Buffalo Lithia Springs on the southern border 
of the county, whose waters are famous the world over for their potential 
health-producing and medicinal properties. At Chase City, Clarkesville, 
and Jeffress, near South Hill, there are also mineral waters noted for 
their medicinal ingredients, and adaption to a wide range of diseases. 

Timbers are oak, hickory and pine, principally; but these are considerably 
culled, although there still exists some fine bodies of timber of original 
growEh; but the greater proportion of the timber of the county is second 
growth, which springs up spontaneously on lands left out of cultivation. 
A large lumber company of New Jersey has recently bought timber 
lands in this county, and is preparing to establish immense lumber plants 
for its manufacture. Sawmills are in nearly every neighborhood, and 
several wagon and buggy factories are in operation. 

The climate is delightful, there being little cold weather, and slight fall 
of snow; while the heat of summer is usually tempered by gentle breezes. 
Pure, clear water from springs, or from wells as good as from the natural 
springs, is everywhere abundant, and largely mineral. Health of the county 
is excellent; indeed the county is noted for its general healthfulness, and 
the longevity of its people. Sometimes fevers prevail, of a bilious or inter- 
mittent character, but they are usually due to local causes, which are reme- 
diable. 

Churches of the various denominations are numerous, every section of 
the county being supplied in this respect; and a very large proportion of 
the population are members of some denomination. Educational advan- 
tages are excellent; graded and public schools being so situated as to make 
them accessible to every neighborhood. Southside Academy, located at 
Chase City, is an incorporated institution, and is well equipped with ac- 
complished instructors to furnish the higher educational advantages. 

Telephone service is ample and efficient; Chase City, Clarkesville and 
Boydton are connected with the North Carolina system. There are a large 
number of postofnces and a number of rural free delivery routes in the 
county; and mail communications and facilities in every locality are all 
that could be desired. Public roads intersect all sections, and are kept in 
fairly good condition. 

There has been considerable progress in this county on the line of small 
manufacturing industries, and improved methods of farming. Financial 
condition of the county is good; rate of taxation, low; and lands, with few 
exceptions, free of encumberance. The people of the county are moral, 
law abiding, and noted for their hospitality. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 26,551. Increase since census of 
1890, 1,192. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 5,615. 

Boydton, the county seat, located near the center of the county, on the 
Atlantic and Danville branch of the Southern railway, and six miles 



165 

from the line of the Richmond and Mecklenburg railroad, is a thriving town 
in the center of a rapidly growing country, with a population, census of 
1900, of 527. 

The greatest impetus given to the business interest of Boydton is its 
tobacco trade. Three large prizeries have recently been erected, and 
within the past year or two the sales of tobacco have increased three- 
fold, so that it is now one of the chief industries of the town. Its two 
banks do jointly a business of a half million dollars. A large lumber 
business is conducted here, and the business extends into adjoining coun- 
ties in this State, and North Carolina, and lias a large trade in the north. 
It has, besides the public schools, a splendid graded school where young 
men can be prepared for a college or business course; also numerous 
churches, several newspapers, and sawmills and grist mills. 

Chase City is a town of considerable importance, situated in the north- 
western portion of the county, on the Keysville and Durham branch of the 
Southern railway, three and a half hours ride of Richmond. It has 
a new and progressive population, and although a comparatively new town, 
it is already a rival of many older towns in all departments of business. 

It contains three banks. Its sales of le<af tobacco exceed previous years 
about forty per cent., over 3,000,000 pounds being sold. Its postomee 
has been advanced to a Presidential appointment. Mercantile houses are 
more numerous, and sales largely increased in volume. Two cheroot manu- 
factories have been erected, with demand beyond their capacity to supply. 
The wagon and buggy manufacturing companies have erected immense build- 
ings and employ over one hundred hands. Also a large furniture factory, 
which turns out beautiful work; and a spool and shuttle factory. 

Not in the history of the town has there been erected so many new 
buildings as during the past three years. A sanitarium, with hotel com- 
bined, which cost $100,000, is in successful operation; its surroundings are 
beautified by walks, drives, shady retreats, flower plats, etc. An electric 
plant has been built, and mineral waters are conveyed to suitable points. 

A business men's association has been organized, and has resulted in 
great benefit to the town. Population of town by census of 1900 was 542, 
and is greatly increased since. 

Clarksville is also a town of considerable business importance, and one 
of the most populous in the county. It is located on the southside, at the 
confluence of the Staunton and Dan rivers, which form the Roanoke, and on 
the Atlantic and Danville branch of the Southern, and Keysville and 
Durham railroads. It has a population, census of 1900, of 723, which 
shows an increase of 67 since last census. 

It is surrounded by .a fertile agricultural section, which finds in Clarks- 
ville a ready market for its products. It has large tobacco warehouses and 
is a good market for the sale of leaf tobacco. It has also wagon, buggy 
and coffin factories, banks, good churches and schools. 

South Hill and La Cross, on the Atlantic and Danville branch of the 
Southern railway, are new towns in the eastern portion of the county. 
The growth of South Hill has been very remarkable. Ten years ago there 
was nothing but the depot; now it is nearly as large as Chase City; with 
large tobacco warehouses, churches, schools, and two prosperous banks and 
many mercantile houses. It is located in one of the best bright tobacco dis- 
tricts in the State, and the sales of leaf tobacco last year amounted to 
several millions of pounds. Ogburn's Mineral Spring, near by, is one of 
the best mineral waters in Virginia. 

La Cross, at the crossing of the Atlantic and Danville, and the Seaboard 
Air Line railways, is a thriving little town witn many business houses, 
good schools, etc. It is destined to be a town of considerable magnitude 
and importance. 

The home seeker will find much to commend this county to his attention; 
nor will he here find himself among strangers; for a large number of people 



167 

from the north and west are scattered through the county, having pur- 
chased lands and settled here since the war, who will give the gratifying 
assurance that they are well pleased with climate, lands, and people. 



MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Lancaster in 1675. It is situated in the 
eastern part' of the State forty miles east of Richmond, and lies between 
the Rappahannock and the Piankatank rivers, with Chesapeake bay on the 
east. 

It is thirty miles long with an average width of six miles; and contains 
an area of 156 square miles. Lands are rather low in price but are in- 
creasing in value. The surface is generally level, with an elevation above 
tidewater of ten to thirty feet on the rivers, and a hundred feet or more 
further back. The soil is light and dark loam, with clay subsoil, easily 
cultivated, and readily improved. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, hay, etc, and the lands are especial- 
ly adapted in some parts to the growth of clover. Peaches, apples, pears, 
plums, apricots, and the smaller fruits and berries do well; also vege- 
tables of the various kinds; giving employment to several fruit and 
vegetable canneries. Being convenient to market, this county is very fa- 
vorably located for trucking, which is earned on to a considerable extent, 
especially in the lower part of the county. 

Poultry is a profitable and increasing industry, with several large 
poultry establishments in the county. Stock is grown to some extent, the 
most profitable branch of which is spring lambs. The most extensive 
and profitable industry, however, is in fish and oysters, for which this 
county is scarcely second to any in the State. It has several fish and 
oyster canneries and fish fertilizer factories. 

Large deposits of marl abound, and this has been extensively used with 
great benefit to the soil in connection with clover and cow peas, in proper 
rotation of crops. 

Timbers are oak, pine, chestnut, ash and cypress, of good quality and 
quantity. The county is well watered by the surrounding water courses 
and their tributary streams, which also afford water power for numerous 
grist mills. There are also many steam mills in operation. Water 
communication and transportation is direct by daily steamers to Balti- 
more, Fredericksburg and Norfolk. 

The climate is mild and pleasant, the water generally good, and the 
health excellent. Churches are numerous, and of all the Protestant de- 
nominations. School facilities are ample, and there is daily mail to every 
portion of the county. The financial condition of the county is very favor- 
able, and it is considered as progressive as any of the counties of this 
portion of the State, and may be said to offer exceptional advantages to 
those who wish to purchase lands in this section. Society is good and the 
hospitable people extend a hearty welcome to those seeking homes in their 
midst. 

Population, census of 1900, 8,220. Increase since census of 1890, 762. 
number of males twenty-one years and over, 1,968. 

Saluda, the county seat, is located near the center of the county. It has 
a population of about 150. Several churches and public schools, an 
academy, a grist and planing mill, and two carriage factories. 

The past year has shown marked improvements in this county, in build- 
ing, notably at the town of Urbanna, a $20,000 bank building, a $15,000 ice 
plant, a fine brick church, and many excellent residences. A northern gentle- 
man has invested a large amount in the purchase and repair of the Rose 
Gill estate, an old colonial residence on the Rappahannock river, once the 







0. 





: 



169 

home of an English governor. Several pickling plants are located in differ- 
ent parts of the county, and a considerable amount of capital has come 
into the county during the past few years. Good crops, generally, have 
also contributed to the prosperity of the county; and while fine steamers 
ply the rivers daily, the county needs railroad facilities to connect it 
with the cities of the State. All parts of the county are threaded with 
one of the finest telephone systems in the country, communication on long 
distance phone being carried on with West Point and every home. 



MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1776 from a portion of the territory then 
known as the Fincastle district. The balance of the district was merged 
into Washington and Kentucky counties, the latter comprising the present 
State of Kentucky. Montgomery has since been shorn of much of its orig- 
inal territory by the formation of several new counties on every side. 

It is 175 miles southwest from Richmond, about midway between that 
city and the extreme southwest, and is about twenty-two miles on each of 
its irregular sides, containing an area of 394 square miles. 

The surface is rolling and mountainous generally. The soil varies ac- 
cording to the geological structure, being principally clay and limestone, 
and some portions slate and freestone; the latter a lighter soil, and gener- 
ally thin and sterile on the hills. The greater portion of the county 
is very rich and productive, yielding fine crops of corn, wheat, oats, rye, 
tobacco, etc. It is especially adapted to the grasses, both the cultivated 
and the natural blue grass; so that the production of hay, grazing and 
stock raising are extensively carried on and are very profitable. Some of 
the finest herds of shorthorn cattle in the State are found in this county, 
and it is also specially adapted to the growing of sheep. Fruits of all 
kinds are readily and abundantly grown, and the vegetable and dairy 
products are also items of considerable revenue to the farmer. 

The Norfolk and Western railroad passing through the center from north- 
east to southwest, a distance of twenty-eight miles, furnishes a convenient 
line of transportation from all points of the county. The New river di- 
vision of the Norfolk and Western railroad runs along the west line a short 
distance. 

The minerals of the county are iron, zinc, lead, coal, gold bearing rocks, 
copper, pyrites, millstone, limestone and slate. Only iron and coal are now 
being worked, the latter quite extensively. 

There are numerous mineral springs in the ccunty; the principal 
of Avhich are the Alleghany Springs, four miles; the Yellow Sulphur, 
three miles, and the Montgomery White, one and a half miles from the 
Norfolk and Western railroad. These springs are noted for the ex- 
cellent medicinal properties of their waters, and may justly be ranked among 
the most attractive and desirable summer resorts in the State. 

Timber of different kinds native to this latitude is veiy abundant 
in some sections of the county, especially in the north and the south sides. 
Oak of different varieties, chestnut, walnut, hickory, elm, ash, poplar, and 
pine, are found. Some of the most valuable timber is sold, for export 
purposes, and considerable quantities of shingles and barrel staves are 
manufactured and shipped. 

This county is well watered by New and Little rivers and the head 
waters of the Roanoke; which afford much valuable water power, utilized 
to a considerable extent in manufacturing enterprises of various kinds. Be- 
sides its numerous flouring mills and sawmills, it has iron furnaces, foun- 
dries, stove and pipe works, woolen mills, furniture factory, etc. 

The climate is delightful and healthful, and water abundant and of ex- 
cellent quality. Churches of all the denominations are numerous; and 







J,,,- . ' „ ' - , . 









171 

educational advantages very superior, with the Virginia Polytechnic In- 
stitute, located at Blacksburg, in this county, an excellent female school at 
Christiansburg, and the public schools of the county in a flourishing con- 
dition. Telephone service and mail facilities are good. 

Population, census of 1900, 15,852. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 3,623. 

Christiansburg, the county seat, is situated near the center of the county, 
one mile south of Christiansburg station, Norfolk and Western railroad, 
and on the summit of the Alleghany mountains, 2,200 feet above tidewater. 
It is a beautiful and growing town of 659 inhabitants (last census), 
and is surrounded by a fertile and picturesque country. The streets are 
macadamized and lighted, and there are quite a number of good 
hotels, wholesale and retail stores, and establishments for the manufacture 
of saddlery, tinware, boots, shoes, etc.; also a flouring mill, newspaper, 
bank, several fraternal orders, churches of the various denominations, and 
schools, both public and private. Its female schools are noted through- 
out this section as being on a higher basis than is usual in country towns. 
In every respect a substantial and steady growth is evidenced here, as 
shown by the largely increased business of the bank, and of the busi- 
ness houses. 

Other towns of the county are Radford, Blacksburg, Shawsville, Elliston, 
and Lafayette. 

Radford is the most populous and important town in the county. It 
is beautifully situated on New river, in the western boundary of the 
county, and on the Norfolk and Western railroad, at the junction of its 
main line with the New river division, twelve miles west of Christiansburg. 

Blacksburg, an important and prosperous town of 768 inhabitants, census 
of 1900, is located in the northwestern portion of the county, eight miles 
north of Christiansburg station on the Norfolk and Western railroad. It is 
beautifully situated in the midst of a fine farming country, with rolling 
grass and grain fields, dotted here and there with handsome residences, and 
presenting a picture of landscape scenery beautiful in the extreme. It has 
good churches and schools, and is a very active business center, and a de- 
sirable residence town. The new railroad, from the Norfolk and Western 
at Christiansburg to this place and the adjacent coal fields, has added 
very largely to the importance and business of the town, besides being of 
great benefit and convenience to the surrounding agricultural section. 

Blacksburg is especially noted as the seat of the Virginia Polytechnic 
Institute, a military institution that is doing an admirable work in edu- 
cating the young men of the State in agriculture, the mechanical arts and 
engineering. The buildings are principally brick, large and commodious, 
and the college grounds extensive and very attractive. The college farm, 
consisting of 338 acres of excellent land in fine state of cultivation, is de- 
voted to experimental purposes. The shops are well equipped with valu- 
able machinery for iron and wood work, also with foundry and forge. The 
income of the college consists of an annuity from the Federal government 
and a liberal appropriation by the State. It is one of the largest and 
most progressive schools in the State, being taxed to its full capacity in the 
number of pupils. The military feature is decidedly attractive and use- 
ful. 



NANSEMOND COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1639 from Isle of Wight, and is located 
in the southeastern part of the State sixty-six miles from Richmond. 
It is thirty-five miles long and nineteen miles wide, extending from 
Hampton Roads on the north to the North Carolina line on the south, and 
contains an area of 393 square miles. 



172 

Average price for improved lands $25 per acre; averaged assessed value 
about $10 per acre. About one-third of the area is in cultivation. Sixty- 
five thousand acres of the Dismal Swamp is embraced in this county. The 
soil is sandy loam with clay subsoil. The lands on the river are of very 
fine quality. 

Farm products are corn, oats, wheat, cotton and peanuts. In the pro- 
duction of the last, this county ranks among the first in the State. 
Vegetables of all kind grow to great perfection, and come into market 
early; especially melons, peas and tomatoes. The Nansemond potato 
has long been celebrated for its superior quality. A large proportion of 
the land is devoted to trucking. This and peanut raising are the most 
profitable industries of the county. Fish and oysters are abundant, also 
water fowls, such as ducks, geese, and swans. 

The railroads are the Seaboard Air Line, the Norfolk and Western, the 
Southern, the Atlantic Coast Line and the Suffolk and Carolina; which 
not only afford large transportation facilities, but are a source of much 
business and prosperity to the county. Access to market is also furnished 
by steamers on Nansemond river. 

A great abundance of marl of superior quality is found and much used 
on the lands. There is still some good timber in the county, such as pine, 
cypress, and juniper, which find a ready and profitable market. Nanse- 
mond river in the middle and northern portion, and Blackwater and its 
tributaries, in its southern and western parts, afford ample water supply 
and drainage. 

In climate, health, and water, this county compares favorably with other 
portions of this section of the State. Churches and schools are numerous, 
and largely attended; telephone service and mail facilities are all that 
could be desired; the rate of taxation is low; and altogether, this is one of 
the most prosperous counties in the State. 

Population, census of 1900, 23,078. Increase since census of 1890, 3,386. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 5,634. 

Suffolk the county seat, is an exceedingly prosperous and progressive 
town of 3,827 inhabitants; which is an increase of 473 since the last census. 
(See Cities of Virginia.) 



NELSON COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1807 from Amherst, and lies on the eastern 
slope of the Blue Ridge, 75 miles west of Richmond. It is separated from 
Augusta on the northwest by the Blue Ridge mountains, and from Bucking- 
ham on the southeast by James river. It contains an area of 472 square 
miles. 

The surface is rolling, the soil generally is red clay, except on the rivers, 
which is dark alluvial, and very productive. Farm products are corn, 
wheat, oats, rye, tobacco, buckwheat and the grasses, especially clover and 
timothy. 

This county is specially adapted to the growth of fruits and vegetables 
of all kinds; indeed, it may be considered one of the best sections in the 
State for fruit. The Albemarle pippin and the pilot, another famous apple, 
and a native of this country, flourish here. Grapes also grow to perfection 
in this county, and have received increased attention the past few years, 
with gratifying results. There are several large vineyards in the county, 
and some wine cellars. Poultry is extensively and profitably raised. Of 
the various products of the county, however, tobacco is the chief money 
crop of the farmer. 

The mountain lands furnish fine pasturage; and horses, cattle, and sheep 
especially, are raised here in large numbers for northern markets. 



173 

Railroads are the James river division of the Chesapeake and Ohio rail- 
road, on the southeastern border; the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad on 
the northern border; and the Southern extending through its middle part 
from northeast to southwest. These afford ample and convenient com- 
munication and transportation to the markets, north and south. 

Minerals are iron ore, both hematite and magnetite, copper, manganese, 
lead, asbestos, kaolin, and soapstone; of which iron, copper and manganese, 
have been worked to a considerable extent. Four companies are working 
up soapstone into wash tubs, etc., and they cannot supply the ' demand 
from New York and Philadelphia alone. Chalybeate and sulphur waters 
are found in various parts. 

Timber consists principally of walnut, pine, poplar, oak, chestnut, and 
hickory; and is abundant. 

The James river on the southeastern border, and its tributaries, the 
Tye and the Rockfish rivers, and other streams extending through the 
county, afford ample water and drainage, and also splendid water power. 
The famous cataract, Crabtree Falls, is situated in this county on a branch 
of Tye river. There are a number of sawmills, and tan bark and cross ties 
are considerable industries. 

The climate is temperate, invigorating and healthful; and the water 
pure, fresh, and everywhere abundant. There are several excellent pri- 
vate female schools, and numerous public schools; and churches of the 
various denominations are distributed throughout the county. Telephone 
and mail facilities are good, and the financial condition of the county 
very favorable. A fine estate, at Oak Ridge, in this county, has recently 
been purchased by a party in New York, AA'hich has since added several 
thousand acres of land, and stocked it with large numbers of fine grade 
sheep and cattle. Doubtless others will do likewise, when the splendid ad- 
vantages of this section shall become more generally known and 

Lovingston, the county seat, is located in the central part of the county, 
four and a half miles north of Montreal station on the Southern railway, 
with which it has daily mail communication. It has a population of about 
300, and several churches, public schools, Avheelwright shops, a newspaper 
and a Masonic lodge. Other villages are Afton, Buffalo, and Arlington. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 16,075. Increase since census of 
1890, 739. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,536. 



NEW KENT COUNTY. 

This county was formed from York in 1654. It lies nine miles east of 
Richmond, between the Pamunkey and the Chickahominy rivers. It is 
twenty-six miles long and from seven to nine miles wide, and contains an 
area of 233 square miles. It has 625 farms; average size of farms 150 
acres. Good lands can be bought in this county at from - one- tienth to 
one-half the price of lands of the same quality in the north. 

The surface is generally level, but is undulating in parts. The soil in 
the interior is light and sandy; on the river bottoms a stiff cjlay. ,o'r 
loam; the latter are very extensive and exceedingly fertile. Farm pro- 
ducts are corn, wheat, oats, early vegetables, sweet potatoes and Irish po- 
tatoes, for the last of which the soil is specially adapted; also red clover, 
vetch, rape, and other valuable grasses, grow here to perfection. 

Poultry and trucking are important products; perhaps the most im- 
portant in the county. Horses, cattle and sheep do well; especially the 
last. These can get green food the year round, except a few days when 
there is snow, which is soon gone. Bermuda grass grows in great luxu- 
riance, and makes first-class pasture. 



175 

Good markets are near by, and transportation by water and rail con- 
venient, with the York River railroad on the north and the Chesapeake and 
Ohio railroad in the southern part. 

Marl is abundant and of excellent quality. The timber consists of oak, 
hickory, maple, pine, cypress, ash, gum, etc. Much cord wood and ship 
timber is annually marketed from this county. 

The Pamunkey, the Chickahominy, and the York rivers on the northern, 
southern and eastern borders, respectively, and their tributaries, afford 
ample water supply. 

The climate is excellent, rot objectionably warm in summer, nor cold in 
winter. Churches of the various denominations are conveniently located, 
and public schools sufficient for all demands. Sawmills are running on 
full time; ship timber men are actively employed; and, with good prices 
for their products, the farmers are in a prosperous condition. The people 
are intelligent and cultivated, and are noted for their sociabilty and gener- 
ous hospitality. 

Population, census of 1900, 4,865. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 1,105. 

This county is noted as having been the marriage place of George Wash- 
ington. 

New Kent Courthouse, the county seat, is located in the northern central 
portion of the county, thirty miles from Richmond, and is a smald: in- 
land country village of about 100 inhabitants. The nearest market is 
Richmond. 

Other towns in the county are Barboursville, and Providence Forge. 
The latter at the head of Chickahominy navigation, and on the Chesapeake 
and Ohio railway, is a thriving village. 



NORFOLK COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1691 from lower Norfolk, afterwards called 
Nansemond, and is situated in the southeast corner of the State, on Hamp- 
ton Roads, 75 miles southeast from Richmond. 

It is twenty-four miles long, with a mean breadth of nineteen miles, 
and contains an area of 425 square miles, two-thirds of which is in culti- 
vation. The lands are rapidly growing in value and importance. Averaged 
assessed value $30 per acre. The surface is level, the soil a sandy loam, 
with clay subsoil, is mellow, easily cultivated, and improved, and, when 
properly managed, is very productive. 

The principal farm products are corn, Irish and sweet potatoes. In 
the production of potatoes, it ranks first of the counties of the State. 
Fruits of the various kinds grown in this latitude, such as apples, peaches, 
figs, pears, and the small fruits, yield abundantly. 

This is also the greatest trucking center in the United States. Market 
facilities, climate, soil, and indeed all nature, seem to have designed it 
for a great garden; and it is being rapidly utilized as such, in the pro- 
duction of vast quantities of potatoes, cabbage, kale, peas, beans, beets, 
squashes, cucumbers, spinach, melons and berries; which are shipped to 
northern and western markets, and bring into the county millions of dollars 
annually. Freights arc lew, and communication with the cities north 
is so rapid, that perishable fruits and vegetables can be gathered in the 
evening, and placed in the New York markets by sunrise next morning. 
Another valuable consideration to the farmer and trucker is, that, owing 
to the long growing season, he is enabled by wise rotation of crops 
through the year, to grow something constantly, so that the land is never 
idle. A well-known trucker sold in 1905, off of ten acres, six thousand 
dollars worth of produce. Another planted 1,000 barrels of seed potatoes. 



177 

The market advantages of this county are unsurpassed, on account of 
the convenience to Norfolk, Portsmouth, Berkley, Ocean View, and Vir- 
ginia Beach; and being also within twelve hours of New York, Philadelphia, 
and Washington, by rail or water. The latter especially furnishes exceed- 
ingly low freight rates; for example, a barrel of potatoes to New York, 
400 miles, for twenty cents; the same to Baltimore, 200 miles, for sixteen 
cents; or a barrel of kale or spinach to New York, or Philadelphia for fif- 
teen cents. 

The water courses abound in the finest fish and oysters, rendering this 
a very extensive and valuable industry, and giving employment to several 
thousand people. 

Six lines of railway traverse the county in every direction, affording con- 
venient communication and market facilities, to all sections; and these 
facilities are largely supplemented by extensive water navigation on Eliza- 
beth river, and on the Dismal Swamp, the Albemarle and the Chesapeake 
canals. 

Many of the farms are located in the immediate locality, or on navigable 
water, which enables the farmer and trucker to secure convenient and 
cheap transportation, by means of small craft of every description. 

While the timber of the county has been to a large extent cut off and 
manufactured into lumber, there is still considerable timber remaining, 
and enough for all practical purposes; especially in the Dismal Swamp 
section, which furnishes large quantities of valuable timber, such as pine, 
cypress, cedar, juniper and gum, interspersed with the oaks and other 
hard woods. 

Elizabeth river, extending into the central portion of the county, and 
its numerous branches penetrating every part, afford ample drainage. 

In the southwestern corner, partly in this county and partly in Nanse- 
mond and extending into North Carolina, is the great Dismal Swamp. 
This, when drained, is of great fertility, and is especially adapted to the 
production of corn and potatoes. 

The climate, is mild, genial, and equable; and is insured against sud- 
den changes in ten parature by the close proximity of the great Gulf 
Stream, by which it is warmed in winter and cooled in summer, as this 
holds a regular ten parature of seventy degrees at all seasons. The! 
lowest drop of the thermometer has been sixteen degrees above; and the 
winters are but little felt or feared here, compared with sections further 
north. There are more sunny days here in the fall, winter, and spring 
months, and a more liberal and. well distributed rainfall, than in any other 
portion of the United States. 

The water and the health of the county are good; churches are numer- 
ous, both white and colored; and educational facilities are unusual. There 
are about 150 schoolhouses, some of them $10,000 in value, two stories, 
brick; first rate high schools, and even night schools. They have ten months 
sessions; teachers' salaries range from $40 to $100 per month; and provision 
is made to spend $80,000 more on new schoolhouses. There are two tele- 
phone lines in the county; telegraph stations everywhere; and mail facilities 
are excellent. 

The enterprise and public spirit of the people have kept pace with the 
development of their resources and commerce, as is seen in the many beau- 
tiful shell turnpikes radiating the county in every direction, ard the re- 
cent purchase by the county of all the pikes, bridges and ferries; so that 
tolls are everywhere dispensed with, and crops are hauled to market and to 
wharf, with comparatively light labor and expense. 

No county in the State is in a better financial condition, or is more pros- 
perous; and no section of the country offers a more inviting field, and » 

12 



179 

more profitable farming investment, to enterprising and industrious set- 
tlers. Its people are generally native Americans and are principally Vir- 
ginians and Carolinians, with a considerable number of northern and west- 
ern settlex*s attracted since the war by the many advantages presented by 
this section. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 50,780. Increase since 1890, 21,881. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 13,951. 

The above is a great showing when it is considered that portions of the 
county have been annexed to Portsmouth, Norfolk and Berkley, since the 
last census. 

Portsmouth, the county seat, is situated on the west bank of the Eliza- 
beth river, opposite the city of Norfolk, with which it is connected by a 
steam ferry. The streets are wide and well paved; the buildings substan- 
tial, and many of them handsome and imposing. It is a port of entry, 
and the harbor is one of the best on the Atlantic coast; accessible at all 
seasons of the year to vessels of the largest class. It has a large and splen- 
didly equipped United States Navy Yard, Naval hospital, also a great 
Naval station and dry dock, capable of accommodating the largest ships. 
For full description of this city and the town of Berkley, and the great 
and growing citv of Norfolk, see "Cities and Towns." 



NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 

This county was originally a portion of Accomac, and occupies the south- 
ern portion of the eastern shore peninsula. It is located in the extreme 
eastern part of the State, 78 miles from Richmond, with the Atlantic 
ocean on the east, the Chesapeake bay on the west, and Accomac county 
on the north. Thirty miles long with an average width of five miles, it 
•contains an area of 232 square miles. 

The surface is level, the soil light sandy, with clay subsoil, very easily 
improved; one-half of it being under cultivation. There are many fine 
farms in the county. Farm products are sweet and Irish potatoes, corn, 
rye and the grasses, especially clover. Fruits do well, especially apples, 
and the smaller fruits, berries, etc. It is 'especially adapted to the growth 
of vegetables of all kinds, ranking first in the State for the yield of onions 
per acre. Trucking is carried on to a large extent; the lands are especially 
adaj)ted to this industry, and are scarcely excelled in this particular in 
the State. The most important and profitable products of the county, 
however, are Irish and sweet potatoes. Last year the growers were favored 
with an abundant crop of both, and at remunerative prices; and it will 
long be remembered as the best and most prosperous year within the 
recollection of the people. A very conservative estimate of the Irish potato 
crop marketed from this county during the year 1901, is placed at 400,- 
000 barrels, with an increase from that source of $1,000,000. 

The numerous rivers, bays, and inlets, with Avhich its shores are in- 
dented, contain fish and oysters in great quantities, variety, and of superior 
excellence; forming a source of cheap and luxurious living, and large 
revenues, to the inhabitants. Water fowls are also abundant, and a source 
of much profit and sport to the huntsman. 

The New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk railroad passes through the 
center of the county for twenty miles, terminating at Cape Charles City 
on the Chesapeake bay, from which point a steam tug and barge line 
connects with Norfolk; thus affording excellent transportation facilities to 
the markets north and south. 

Pine and oak are the principal timbers; of which there is considerable 
-quantity. 



180 

The climate is mild and salubrious, its almost insular position render- 
ing it free from extremes of heat or cold. The health of the county is 
excellent, and the water good. Churches and public schools are numerous 
and convenient, and it has, besides, one academy. Telephone service and 
mail facilities are ample and the county roads are well located, and kept 
in good condition. 

In progress and general advancement this county is rapidly moving for- 
ward, and it already occupies a position in the front rank in these re- 
spects ; of which there is no better evidence than the increase of population 
and its excellent financial condition, having a surplus of $25,000 loaned on 
mortgage. It is also noted for its hospitality, and its splendid social ad- 
vantages. 

Population, census of 1900, 13,770. Increase since census of 1890, 3,457. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,367. 

Eastville, the county seat, is located on the New York, Philadelphia 
and Norfolk railroad, and has a population by last census of 313. The 
streets are excellent and well lighted ; and it has an academy, a Young Men's 
Christian Association building, a lodge of Masons and several churches. 

Other towns in the county are, Cape Charles, with a population, census 
of 1900 of 1,040; and Franktown. 



NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1648. It is one of the five counties consti- 
tuting the Northern Neck, and lies at the mouth of the Potomac river, on 
the Chesapeake bay, sixty miles northeast from Richmond. 

It is twenty-five miles long and seven to eight miles wide, and contains 
an area of 235' square miles. About forty per cent, of the area is in 
cultivation. Surface is level, soil, rich and alluvial on the streams; on 
the uplands, light and sandy, and easily improved. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye, sweet and Irish potatoes. 
Clover does well, and the raising of clover seed has assumed considerable 
proportions. Garden vegetables and fruits of all kinds, and of the best, 
are produced. Fowls and eggs, in great abundance, are marketed. The 
trucking interest is largely on the increase. 

There are some very good breeds of stock kept, and conditions are im- 
proving yearly in this respect. 

This county is scarcely second to any in the State in the extent and 
value of its fisheries and oyster beds., and water fowls abound in great 
abundance. The fishing season lasts about half the year, employing a large 
number of men and vessels. There are many large and important fish 
factories in operation in the county engaged in the manufacture of fish oil 
and fish fertilizers (commonly known as fish chum), ard this industry ranks 
as the most profitable in the county. Other enterprises are oyster packing 
plants, canneries, sawmills, planing mills, etc. Unparalleled com- 
mercial facilities exist on account of its numerous navigable waters, with 
coast line and inland lines of steamers connecting with Baltimore, Washing- 
ton, Alexandria, and Norfolk, affording excellent market advantages for its 
products — melons, fresh vegetables, oysters, fish, wild fowls and poultry. 

The most valuable timbers are oak, pine, poplar, and chestnut, consid- 
erably depleted, but still yielding quantities of cord wood, railroad ties, 
ship timber, etc. Poplar chiefly is exported. 

Water and drainage is amply supplied by its numerous inland rivers 
and creeks. The climate is temperate, variable and moist, and health 
generally good. Water is of good quality, as artesian wells are easily 
bored, and afford excellent water. 



181 

Churches are numerous and attractive, public and private schools well 
conducted, and telephone service to all important points. 

Taxes are low, and people generally out of debt. 

Taken as a whole, the county is progressive and up-to-date along all 
lines of public improvement and private enterprise, and offers many induce- 
ments to home seekers. 

Population, census of 1900, 9,846. Increase since census of 1890, 1,961. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over 2,486. 

Heathsville, the county seat, is located in the center of the county. 
Population about 300. It has a graded school, lodge of Masons, and several 
churches. Reedville is another town of considerable population and im- 
portance, where a fish factory, for the purpose of manufacturing the im- 
mense catches of menhaden caught in the bay into fertilizer and fish oil, 
does a large business. 



NOTTOWAY COUNTY. 

Nottoway county was formed in 1788 from Amelia, and is located in the 
south-central part of the State, thirty miles southwest from Richmond. 

It is twenty-five miles long by about twelve miles in width, and has an 
area of 304 square miles. Average size of farms, 85 acres. 

Lands in this county are low. Many valuable tracts can be bought at a 
very reasonable price. The surface is rolling, and soil a clay loam. 

Principal farm products are wheat, corn, oats, and tobacco; especially 
the latter, of which the yield is very large and of excellent quality. 

Railroads are the Norfolk and Western, and the Southern, which inter- 
sect at Burkeville, and furnish convenient transportation facilities for the 
products of the county. Minerals are kaolin, mica, granite, and soapstone, 
but undeveloped. 

The most valuable timbers are pine, oak, hickory, walnut, poplar, chest- 
nut, cedar, and ash. 

Ample water supply and drainage is furnished by the Nottoway and Lit- 
tle Nottoway rivers and numerous creeks, tributaries of the Appomattox, on 
which are situated flour mills and sawmills. 

Public schools and churches of all denominations abound. 

Population, census of 1900, 12,366. Increase since census of 1890, 784. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,668. 

Nottoway, the county seat, is located near the center of the county, on 
the Norfolk and Western railroad. Population 175. It has a grist mill, 
public graded school, private school, fraternal order, and excellent water 
power. 

Other towns are Burkeville, Crewe, and Blackstone. 

Burkeville is a thriving growing town located in the northwestern por- 
tion of the county, at the intersection of the Norfolk and Western, and 
Southern railroads. It has a population (census of 1900) of 510, which 
is an increase of 106 since last census. 

Crewe is a railroad town, and, although the youngest, is the most 
populous in the county, having a population, (census of 1900), of 1,329, 
an increase of 442 since census of 1890, and growing in size and im- 
portance. 

Blackstone, also a comparatively new town (having been built up since 
the war), is a place of considerable importance and business, being the 
largest shipping point for produce on the Norfolk and Western railroad 
from Lynchburg to Petersburg. Blackstone is primarily a tobacco market, 
being the fifth largest market for dark tobaccos in the State. Its business 
in this line was exceedingly prosperous last year, showing a considerable 
increase with a number of busy warehouses. It has two very prosperous 



182 

banks, which show a decided increase of business over the previous year. A 
factoiy for the manufacture of handles and spokes is one of the new in- 
dustries established recently, and is now in successful operation. The 
Blackstone Manufacturing Company now has an electric plant, by 
which they can carry on their work night and day. There is an up-to-date 
telephone exchange extending to adjoining comities and a fine new passenger 
depot has been built which would be an ornament to a larger town. The 
Blackstone Horse Exchange has been organized with the result that it is 
now one of the good horse markets in the State. $15,000 has been in- 
vested in water works soon to be constructed, and numerous business 
houses and private residences have been recently erected, the town limits 
thereby being considerably extended. There have been large sales of town 
lots, besides other large deals in real estate. The freight and passenger re- 
ceipts of the railroad have multiplied largely, and business of all kinds 
shows large increase. Besides the above there are numerous stores and 
shops, a fertilizer factory, bark, sumac and grist mills, tobacco factory, 
several good churches, public school buildings, two splendid institutes — 
male and female — and an influential newspaper. 



ORANGE COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Spottsylvania in 1734. It is situated in 
the Piedmont section, sixty miles northeast from Richmond. Its great- 
est length is thirty-eight miles, and width ranges from five to fourteen 
miles, containing an area of 349 square miles. 

The surface in the eastern part is undulating and hilly; moun- 
tainous to some extent in the central and western portions, with about 
one-third of the area in cultivation, of which the greater portion is of 
most excellent quality. The soil is a dark red clay, producing large crops 
of grain, grass and some tobacco. 

This is a fine grass-growing and grazing county, and, as a result, the rear- 
ing of cattle and sheep, of good quality, is extensively carried on; and for 
sheep especially, it is perhaps second to none outside of the blue grass 
region. 

This county is peculiarly adapted to the growing of apples, cherries, 
grapes, and all the standard varieties of fruit. The raising of small fruits, 
especially, is a rapidly increasing and profitable industry. Large areas are 
being appropriated to vineyards, and large quantities of grapes are annu- 
ally shipped to the northern markets. Fruit growing and stock raising 
rank as the most profitable industries of the county. 

The Southern, Chesapeake and Ohio, and the Fredericksburg railways 
afford excellent transportation facilities to all parts of the county. 

Minerals are iron, gold, asbestos, fire clay, marble, and limestone, some 
of which have been successfully worked. 

The supply of timber is very good, consisting of oak, hickory, walnut, 
pine, chestnut, poplar, and sycamore. The county is abundantly watered 
by the Rapidan and North Anna rivers, and their numerous tributaries, 
which also afford excellent water power. 

Climate, health and water are all that could be desired, and churches of 
the different denominations are numerous and conveniently located. Pub- 
lic and private schools afford abundant educational facilities. 

This county, with its great diversity of agricultural products, fine 
fruit and grazing facilities, fine water, pure mountain air. and ready access 
to good markets, is a very desirable section for home seekers who want to 
engage in agricultural pursuits. 



183 

Population, census of 1900, 12,571. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 2,785. 

Orange, the county seat, is located in the west-central part of the county, 
eighty miles northwest from Richmond, and is the center of the railroad 
system of the county. Elevation above sea level, 524 feet. Population, 
census of 1900, 536. It has made large progress during the past few years, 
embracing a handsome bank building, a new post office building, an electric 
light plant, a fire department, several attractive and commodious business 
establishments, and a large number of new dwelling houses. There are 
also steam grist mills, newspapers, and a graded school, lodge of Masons, 
and numerous churches. The mills are doing the largest business in 
their history, and their products are being shipped in large quantities to 
many points. 

Gordonsville, another town of considerable importance, is situated in the 
extreme southwest portion of the county, at the junction of the Chesa- 
peake and Ohio, and Southern railways, and has a population, census of 
1900, of 603. This place has shown marked improvement of recent years in 
its electric plant, new concrete pavements, banks, etc. Gordonsville has 
excellent schools, public and private — the Piedmont Academy ranking as 
one of the best schools in the county. Many western people have settled 
in the town and surrounding county, and both the merchants and farmers 
report a steady growth in trades. 



PAGE COUNTY. 

Page county was formed in 1831 from Shenandoah and Rockingham, and 
constitutes a part of the rich and beautiful valley of the Shenandoah. 

It is situated in the northern part of the State, ninety miles north- 
west from Richmond. The whole county is a valley thirty miles in length, 
and about eleven miles in width, with the Blue Ridge for its eastern and 
the Massanutten mountains its western boundaries. The Shenandoah 
river extends through its entire length, and the county contains an area 
of 317 square miles. 

The surface is gently undulating, and the soil a rich limestone of great 
fertility, yielding large crops of wheat, corn, oats, rye, and the grasses. 
Grazing facilities, especially in the Blue Ridge section, are excellent, and 
horses, cattle, and sheep are extensively grown. Fruits and vegetables 
do well. Dairy and poultry products are considerable, and a source of 
much profit. 

The Shenandoah valley division of the Norfolk and Western railroad 
passes through the center of the county, its entire length, affording to all 
sections convenient transportation facilities, north and south. 

Situated within five hours run of Baltimore and Washington, these 
cities afford excellent markets, though much of the poultry, dairy and 
vegetable products find a home market in the hotels, boarding houses, 
tanneries, and other enterprises. 

Minerals are iron, copper, ochre, manganese, limestone, and marble, the 
most important of which are iron (which is in great abundance, and 
being extensively marketed) and manganese of superior quality which is 
shipped to northern furnaces. There has been considerable activity re- 
cently in the manganese and copper mines, and the prospect for their more 
extensive development and operation is good. The Oxford ochre mine at 
Stanley, in this county, is in very successful operation. There is much 
valuable timber, such as oak, pine, walnut, ash and poplar, being worked 
by the large number of sawmills in operation in the county, and also 
supplying large quantities of tan bark for its numerous tanneries and leather 




£ 


Td 


a 


^ 


w 


ISt 










r< 


>» 






a 

ft 

51 


o 
o 




^ 


s 


o 


h3 
O 


^ 

— 




nl 


w 


fu 








a 






^ 


« 


o 


0) 




Ph 


H 


-<-> 


a 


<1> 


■*1 






ft 


X 


- 


g 


* 




t>, 


H 


r~, 


fc 


1 


m 


w 



185 

works, which do an (extensive business, shipping most of their product to 
Europe. Besides these, there are planing mills, furniture factory, twenty- 
five fine flouring mills, woolen mill, and a stave and barrel factory — one 
of the largest enterprises of the kind in the valley. 

The Shenandoah river — extending through the county its entire length — 
and its branches afford a plentiful supply of water and magnificent water 
power. The climate is mild and invigorating, healthful, and free from 
malaria. Water is limestone of excellent quality. There are also a number 
of chalybeate and sulphur springs in the county. Churches in every neigh- 
borhood, and educational advantages all that could be desired. Telephone 
service is ample, and there are excellent mail facilities. Financial con- 
dition of county is good, and the farmers are prosperous, as shown by their 
improved dwellings and barns, some of tine former being handsome structures 
in modern style. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 13,794. Increase since census of 
1890, 702. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,247. 

Luray, the county seat, is a beautiful town of 1,147 inhabitants (census 
of 1900) situated on the Shenandoah valley division of the Norfolk 
and Western railroads, and in the center of the rich and beautiful Page 
valley. It has macadamized streets and paved sidewalks, numerous schools', 
churches and fraternal orders, two newspapers and two banks — in a very 
prosperous condition. A furniture factory recently established here gives 
employment to about sixty workmen. The tannery and bark works located 
here are large and successful enterprises. The water works and gas plant 
recently installed have given new life and enterprise to the town. The 
noted Luray caverns, which annually attract thousands of visitors, are 
one mile distant from the town. Luray is becoming a very popular sum- 
mer resort, with its splendid hotel accommodations. Its wonderful 
caverns have a national reputation. 

Shenandoah is a growing town situated in the southern part of the county. 
It has a population, census of 1900, of 1,220 ; which is an increase of 469 
since last census. The large iron furnace at this place was put in blast 
many years ago and is now in successful operation, producing a maximum 
of 140 tons per day. 



PATRICK COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Henry in 1781. It is situated in the south- 
western portion of Virginia, 158 miles southwest from Richmond, air line, 
and is the most western county of the State south of the Blue Ridge, 
which forms its western boundary. It contains an area of 489 square miles. 
The surface is hilly and mountainous in the western part, with fine bot- 
tom lands along the numerous streams. The soil varies from sandy to 
a red loam, and is productive. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye. tobacco, and the grasses. In 
the southern half of the county, along the North Carolina line and the 
portion adjoining Henry county, is the fine tobacco belt. About half of 
-the county is really in the famous Blue Ridge section, well adapted to grain, 
grass, and cattle, especially the northern portion on the "Meadows of Dan" 
—a beautiful plateau on and near the top of the Blue Ridge. Stock raising 
is a considerable industry, and with proper attention could be made very 
profitable. 

This is an exceptionally fine county for fruit. The soil and climate 
are peculiarly adapted to its growth, and the people, realizing these advan- 
tages, are turning their attention largely to its culture. To those who are 
interested in this industry, Patrick offers inducements second to none in the 
State. Lands are cheap, and apples grown here have taken first honors 



186 

for size, color and flavor, wherever exhibited. There are thousands of acres 
of first class lands in the county, notably on the face, and at the foot hills 
of the Blue Ridge, and in the rich coves that are unexcelled for apples 
and fruit of all kinds; these lands can be bought for from $4 to $6 per acre, 
producing more and better fruit than lands in other sections rating at $50 
to $100 per acre. 

Railroads are the Danville and Western, extending from Dan- 
ville to Stuart, the county seat. The Mount Airy and Eastern railroad 
extends from Mount Airy, North Carolina, to the' lumber districts of the 
western part of the county some twenty-one miles, having been built to 
carry out the timber. The recent survey for the Mount Rogers and 
Eastern railroad through the northern part of the county is also interest- 
ing the people very much, and brightening the prospects for better rail- 
road facilities in the near future. The Norfolk and Western railroad i- 
also building a branch road to the Hairston Iron Works. 

The minerals of this county Avould be a source of material wealth if de- 
veloped. They are iron (magnetic and hematite), manganese and lead. 
The iron is of very superior quality and of unlimited quantity, and was 
worked by the Confederate government during the war. There are also 
extensive quarries of very valuable building stone, and soapstone is found 
in large quantities. 

There are several mineral springs in the county, notably the famous 
"Patrick Springs," seven miles below Stuart, which is filled every summer 
to its utmost capacity by the people of Danville, and Martinsville; ami 
some wonderful cures have been effected by its waters. 

The forest growth of this county consists in the main of oak, walnut, 
poplar, pine, maple, ash, hickory, chestnut, beech, cherry, sycamore, and 
other hard woods. Yellow poplar and oak timber for staves, framing tim- 
ber, tan bark and cross-ties, are the leading and most valuable timbers of 
the county, and the supply — especially of the oak — is practically inex- 
haustible. Patrick is rich in all the hard woods, except pine and walnut, 
most of the latter having been shipped out. 

All sections of the county are well watered by the Dan, Little Dan, Ara- 
rat, North and South Mayo, and Smith rivers, and their numerous tribu- 
taries, and the water power is abundant for manufacturing purposes. Num- 
erous saw mills and roller flour mills are located on these streams and in 
different sections of the county. 

The climate is excellent — pleasant in summer, and not too severe in win- 
ter. 

There are quite a number of public schools and churches in the county 
convenient to all sections. Stuart Normal College, located at the county 
seat, is an excellent school for the equipment of teachers for work in the 
public free schools. Mail facilities of the county are ample, and its finan- 
cial condition is good. Considerable attention is being given to the roads 
of the county, and a new turnpike from Stuart towards Meadows of Dan 
and Floyd has been built. All that is needed to advance the county to the 
front rank in importance is capital to develop its resources. Ten miles 
distant from Stuart is "Lover's Leap," and within about twenty miles 
are the "Pinnacles of Dan," which are among the most beautiful of all 
mountain scenery. 

Stuart, the county seat, is a village of 371 inhabitants, census of 1900. 
It is situated on South Mayo river, and is the western terminus of the Dan- 
ville and Western railroad, from which large quantities of fruit, vegetables, 
poultry, and other produce are shipped to the markets. The streets are 
graded and lighted, and it has two banks, two schools, four churches, two 



187 

fraternal orders and a newspaper, a business men's association established, 
and a joint stock company, organized for the purpose of erecting a furniture 
factory, and a hard wood working establishment. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 15,403. Increase since census of 
1890, 1.256. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,218. 



PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 17G7 from Halifax, and is the central south- 
ern county of the State, 110 miles southwest from Richmond, and border- 
ing the North Carolina line. It is thirty-five miles long, and about twenty- 
five miles wide, and is the second largest county in area in the State, con- 
taining 986 square miles. 

Numerous farms in the county have been sold to northern buyers at good 
prices. The surface is generally rolling and hilly, with some low moun- 
tains ; but a very large area of fertile bottom lands along the streams. The 
soil is varied in character and adaptable for the cultivation of almost every 
known crop of the latitude. The soil of the upla: ds is light, gray 
and gravelly; producing an immense quantity of the finest bright yellow to- 
bacco, nearly doubling in quantity any other county in the State, and total- 
ing over 17,000,000 pounds by last census, and constituting it the money 
crop of the county. The soil of the lowlands along the streams varies from 
a stiff red to a sandy character, and is very fertile, producing fine crops 
of corn, wheat, oats, rye and grass. Fruits and vegetables of all kinds 
common to other sections of the State are grown to great perfection, and, 
together with the dairy products, peanuts, etc., are sources of considerable 
revenue to the farmer. 

Market advantages are excellent, supplied by its convenient railroad 
facilities and the large demand at Danville, its manufacturing city. 

For stock raising, it is principally noted for its large number of mules, 
and very recently lands have been purchased in the county by parties from, 
without for the pupose of stocking them with high bred horses. Stock rais- 
ing presents an inviting field of operation in this county, all the conditions 
being favorable to it. 

This county has excellent railroad facilities, having connection with 
Richmond, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Greensboro and Norfolk, through 
its various lines — the Atlantic and Danville, Danville and Western, and 
the Southern and its branches. 

Minerals also abound, the most notable of which is magnetic iron ore, 
a high grade, of which is found in a productive vein, running from Lees- 
ville, in Campbell county, southwest, through the county to the North 
Carolina line. It is worked very profitably at Pittsville, from which mines 
eight to twenty ear loads are daily shipped to furnaces at Roanoke, Lynch- 
burg and Philadelphia. 

Mineral springs are chalybeate and sulphur. Timbers are hickory, 
oak, chestnut and. pine, some of which is original growth, but the greater 
part second growth pine. 

Its streams are Staunton river on the north, and Banister, Dan and 
Hyco rivers in the central and southern portions. These rivers and their 
numerous tributary streams afford an ample supply of water and much 
valuable water power. 

The manufactories of the county (other than those located at Danville, 
which will be mentioned in connection with that city) are a large r. umber 
of flouring and grain mills, steam sawmills, tobacco factories, tanneries, 
stone and marble quarries, chair factory, and a large sash, door and blind 
plant. 



189 

This county can boast of a climate unsurpassed. Being near the 37th 
parallel of latitude, midway between the waters of the Atlantic, warmed 
by the Gulf Stream on the east, and the sheltering wings of the Appalachian 
range of mountains on the west, it has neither of the extremes of heat or 
cold, and is extremely healthful, and free from malaria and epidemics. The 
water is freestone, abundant and good. Churches are numerous and of all 
denominations. With over two hundred school houses, and a school popu- 
lation of 20,000, the subject of education is a very absorbing one, and it is 
fully met by the very efficient free school system of the county, supple- 
mented by many private schools of high standing. 

Telephone service and mail facilities are first-class. Much attention is 
given to road improvements and bridges, over $10,000 being expended an- 
nually for that purpose ; and as a result the county has most excellent 
roads. Progress and improvement is apparent in all lines of agriculture, 
and business. The financial condition of the county is good. 

The population of the county (independent of Danville), census of 1900, 
is 46,894, making it second in the State in population. Number of males 
twenty-one years and over, 9,892. Valre cf real estate $3,819,444.00; 
personalty $1,138,420.00. 

Chatham, the county seat, situated on the Southern railway, about mid- 
way of the county, has a population of 918 (census of 1900), which is an in- 
crease of 161 since last census, and is a thriving town of considerable im- 
portance. Its streets are lighted and have brick sidewalks. There are nu- 
merous churches, factories and fraternal orders; also two banks, public 
schools ; newspaper, and seven stores. Numerous handsome residences have 
recently been erected, and a general era of improvement and prosperity pre- 
vails. 



POWHATAN COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1777 from Cumberland. It is located in the 
central portion of the State, twenty miles west of Richmond, James river 
forming its northern and Appomattox river its southern boundary. 

It is twenty-five miles long and about fifteen miles wide, and contains 
an area of 284 square miles, one-third of which is under cultivation. 

The surface back from the streams is gently undulating. The soil of the 
county varies from a light gray to a stiff red clay, and is fairly fertile, 
especially on the rivers. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, tobacco, oats and hay, tobacco being 
the principal money crop — the annual yield amounting to 1,000,000 
pounds and considered among the best of the dark tobaccos sent to the 
Richmond markets. All the grasses do well here, but those principally 
grown are clover, timothy, herd's grass, millet, and orchard grass. 

This is one of the finest apple counties in middle Virginia, and peaches, 
pears, plums, grapes, berries, melons, and other fruits yield just as well, 
and but little subject to damage from insects. 

Vegetables are also easily and abundantly grown. Railroads are the 
Southern in the southeastern portion, the Chesapeake and Ohio skirting the 
northern border, and the Farmville and Powhatan through the center of 
the county, affording ample transportation facilities to Richmond and 
other markets. 

Minerals are coal, mica, kaolin, iron and granite. The coal and mica 
have been developed, and successfully mined. There are several sulphur 



191 

and chalybeate springs in the county, the most important being the Hugue- 
not. The sulphur springs near Ballsville also possess valuable medicinal 
qualities. Timbers are oak, pine, hickory, chestnut, beech, etc. 

The James and Appomattox rivers on the north and south borders, and 
their many tributary creeks, furnish ample water supply and excellent 
water power for manufacturing purposes. 

The industries of the county are important, the most extensive being the 
Powhatan Clay Manufacturing Company, located at Clayville, which works 
from seventy-five to 100 hands regularly in the manufacture of brick. Al- 
so the Belmead Wagon Works, located at Belmead, on James river, seven 
miles from the county seat, is doing a thriving business in the manufacture 
of wagons, carts, jumpers, etc. Connected Avith this plant is a large saw 
and grist mill. There are several other grist mills in the county, besides 
two fine roller flour mills, doing a large business. Another factory worthy 
of notice is the hard-wood works, located at Powhatan Courthouse, that 
manufacture croquet sets, shuttle blocks, etc., from dog-wood, hickory, ash, 
white oak, and persimmon wood. They work a considerable force of hands 
and handle large orders, some for export. Other industries are a spoke 
factory, and pipe factory, at which the famous and "original Powhatan" 
pipe is made. 

The climate is very mild, admitting of out-door work during the winter 
months, and stock does well with very little feed. 

Churches of the various Protestant denominations are numerous and 
conveniently located to all sections. Public schools are ample, and conveni- 
ent to the school population; also there are many private schools. This 
county, as the number of Indian relics indicate, was at one time the hunt- 
ing and battleground of the Red Man, and is happily named for one of 
their greatest chiefs. 

The people are largely the descendants of the French Huguenots, noted for 
their kindness and genuine hospitality; and with its splendid natural ad- 
vantages and cheap lands, capital and well-directed energy, only, is lacking 
to bring it to the forefront of the counties of the State. 

Population, census of 1900. 6.824. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 1,545. 

Powhatan, the county seat, is located near the center of the county, and 
near the Farmville and Powhatan railroad, eleven miles from Dorset station 
on the Southern railway, ten miles from Michaux ferry on James river, 
and eight miles from Rock Castle depot, C. & 0. R. R. It is a small country 
village of about 125 inhabitants, and has a saw and grist mill, and wood 
working factory. 



PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY. 

This county Avas formed in 1753 from Amelia, and is situated in the 
south-central part of the State, sixty miles soutlnvest from Richmond. It 
is twenty-five miles long and about twelve miles Avide, and contains an 
area of 345 square miles (one-third of which is in cultivation). The 
surface is rolling; soil, varied; gray loam, red and chocolate loams, or 
sandy; generally productiA T e, and Avell adapted to the various farm pro- 
ducts. Tobacco yields from 300 to 1,000 pounds per acre; Avheat, eight to 
thirty bushels; corn, ten to fifty bushels; oats, ten to fifty bushels; potatoes, 
fifty to 300 bushels ; and all forage crops, especially the legumes are pro- 
duced. But tobacco is the most profitable industry — the soil and climate 
being peculiarly adapated to it. The grasses, clover, timothy, red top, or 
herd's grass, are also profitably grown. This is not a natural grazing 
section, save for sheep, and in that particular it ranks well. All the 
fruits and vegetables common to Virginia do Avell here. 



192 

Transportation and market facilities are ample, and furnished by the 
Southern, Norfolk and Western, and Farmville and Powhatan railroads. 
The minerals are iron, mica, copper, kaolin, coal and building stone; but 
all, as yet, undeveloped. Timber supply near the railroads has been much 
culled out, but in the central portion of the county, pine, oak, hickory 
and poplar are in considerable abundance. 

Ample water supply is furnished by the Appomattox river in the north- 
ern part and numerous small streams in the middle and southern portions : 
these latter affording considerable water power, on which are located several 
flour and saw mills of large capacity. Climate temperate and exceedingly 
healthful. Springs abundant and of purest freestone water. 

Churches of all Protestant denominations are ample for the population. 
Educational advantages are very superior — with Hampden-Sidney Col- 
lege, the State Female Normal, and a fine system of public free schools. 
Mail facilities ample — four daily mails. Telephone service now well or- 
ganized and very useful. 

Financial condition of the county is very favorable, and above the average 
county in the State. Few counties in the State are superior in the 
requisites for health, wealth and happiness. Intelligent and refined so- 
ciety, a moral and hospitable people, good lands and good improvements 
at cheap rates, are strong inducements to the intending settler, a number 
of whom from the North and West have already availed themselves of the 
advantages offered, and purchased farms in the neighborhood of Green bay 
(on the Southern railway), in this county. 

Population, census of 1900, 15,015. Increase since census of 1890, 351. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,156. 

Farmville, the principal town, and county seat, it situated in the north- 
ern part of the county, on the Appomattox river, at the junction of the 
Norfolk and Western, and Farmville and Powhatan railroads. It is a 
thriving town of 2,471 inhabitants (census of 1900), and a place of con- 
siderable importance as a tobacco manufacturing center, being the fifth 
largest in the State, and an educational center. 

The State Female Normal School is located here, and Hampden-Sidney 
College, six miles distant, reached by a good macadamized road, both 
thrifty and popular. 

The Farmville Lithia Springs are noted for the curative properties of its 
waters, which are shipped to all parts of this and foreign countries. It 
has water works, paved streets and electric lights, a high school, several 
public schools, newspapers, bank, numerous churches and fraternal or- 
ders, and a business men's association; also a number of tobacco factories, 
w T ood-working establishments, fertilizer factories, woolen mills, a cannery 
and mill. 

Other towns are Prospect and Worsham. 



PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1702 from Charles City, and is located in the 
eastern portion of the State, seventeen miles southeast from Richmond, on 
the south bank of the James river, which separates it from its mother 
county. It is triangular in fhape, and contains an area of 302 square 
miles. 

The surface is generally level. Soil, sandy loam, and clay subsoil, gen- 
erally thin ; though there are extensive tracts of valuable alluvial lands 
on the rivers. 

Farm products are corn, cotton, peanuts, tobacco, wheat, oats, and the 
grasses, the light warm lands of the southern portion being best adapted 
to the peanut and cotton industries. The lands are well adapted to apples, 



193 

pears, peaches, plums, quinces and grapes; and berries, both wild and culti- 
vated, are abundant. The sections adjacent to the river landings and Peters- 
burg" are cultivated largely in trucking. Fish are abundant in the in- 
land ponds, and James and Appomattox rivers; and the marshes furnish 
water fowl of the choicest varieties. 

Grazing facilities and the production of improved grasses is considerable, 
and live stock of all kinds do well. Transportation facilities, supplied by 
the navigable rivers (the James and Appomattox), and the Norfolk and 
Western railway, and Atlantic Coast Line, are ample, and convenient to 
al) parts of the county, affording easy access to the local and the northern 
and southern markets. 

Marl of various sorts is abundant, and has been extensively used with 
good results. Fine white sandstone and valuable clays of several kinds 
have been developed to some extent. Timbers are pine, poplar, oak, wal- 
nut, gum, persimmon, and other hard and soft woods, much of which is 
shipped north. 

The James and Appomattox rivers and their tributaries on the north, 
Blaekwater river in the center, and the tributaries of the Nottoway river 
in the southern portion of the county afford ample water supply, and 
drainage; and there is fine water power at Falls of Appomattox, as yet 
undeveloped. Numerous saw, grist and flour mills are located in the 
county; also cotton gins, peanut factory, brick kilns, etc. 

Climate is mild and equable, health good and hygienic conditions care- 
fully guarded. Water is soft, palatable and healthful. 

Churches of the various denominations are sufficient for the population. 
Educational advantages (primary and grammar grade) very good. Mail 
facilities and telephone service ample, the latter consisting of local and 
long distance service to Norfolk and Richmond. 

The farmers are improving their lands and becoming more prosperous; 
the financial condition of the county very good and growing better. 

Population, census of 1900, 7,752. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 1,839. 

Prince George Courthouse, the county seat, a small inland village, is 
located in the northwest central portion of the county and has several 
churches, a public school, and Masonic lodge. The nearest market is 
Petersburg, seven miles distant, with which it has daily mail communica- 
tion. 

Other towns are City Point and Newville. The former, situated nine 
miles from Petersburg, at the junction of the James and Appomattox rivers, 
is a shipping point of considerable importance, with a depth of water at its 
wharves sufficient for the largest class of vessels, and was used by the Fed- 
eral government as a base of supplies during the siege of Petersburg. 



PRINCESS ANNE COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1691 from Norfolk county, and lies in the ex- 
treme southeast corner of the State, 110 miles southeast of Richmond. It 
contains an area of 285 square miles, one-half under cultivation. 

The surface is level, soil dark loam, n ar.-hy and sandy in tome sections, — 
with red clay subsoil, easily tilled and generally productive, especially the 
swamp lands in Holland, swamp, Eastern Shore swamp and Blaekwater. 
There are also some fine lands en the herders ef the creeks and inlets. 
Farm products are corn, oats potatoes, and trucks. 

The people are very extensively engaged in the latter, and large quanti- 
ties of vegetables and fruits are annually shipped to the northern markets. 
For general trucks this is one of the finest sections of the State, especially 

13 



195 

the Pungo district. This county is noted for its fish — notably the catches 
in Back bay — -and oysters of unequalled quality; and wild fowls of great 
variety are found in large quantities, the shipments of which produce large 
revenues to its citizens. 

Nature has been exceedingly lavish to this county in the bestowal of 
natural products, not only in large extent, but of superior quality. This 
is the home of the renowned Lynnhaven oysters and canvass back ducks, and 
other water fowls; the latter being in such abundance as to make gunning 
at certain seasons quite a profitable industry. Stock raising is principally 
restricted to the raising of cows for dairy and family purposes, although 
many stock cattle are fed. There are two dairies in the county. Consider- 
able attention is paid also to hogs. 

Transportation facilities are ample and convenient to all sections of the 
•county, consisting of Norfolk and Western, and Southern railway through 
center, with branch extending south; also the Albemarle canal along the 
southern border, and numerous navigable bays and rivers, besides an ocean 
front of over twenty miles. These afford very superior market advantages. 

Virginia Beach, a famous and attractive summer resort on the Atlantic 
shore, is in this county. It is connected with Norfolk by rail, and largely 
patronized. The timber consists of pine, cypress, oak, gum, cedar, elm, etc., 
and is most abundant in the northeast portion of the county. North river 
running south, and the various sounds, bays and creeks afford ample water 
supply and drainage. Numerous sawmills are in operation in the county. 
Barrels, boxes and crates are manufactured; also large quantities of cypress 
shingles. 

The climate is temperate, health fairly good, and water fine in most sec- 
tions. Churches and schools are numerous and conveniently distributed. 
The county is well supplied with telephone communication, and mail facili- 
ties are good. 

Population, census of 1900, 11,192. Increase since census of 1890, 1,682. 

Princess Anne, the county seat, is a small inland country place, situated 
uear the center of the county, 118 miles southeast of Richmond, and 18 miles 
southeast of Norfolk. Near the village is a steam crate and barrel factory. 
There is also a public school and church. The nearest market is Norfolk. 

No other towns in the county except Kempsville, a small country village 
situated on a branch of the Lynnhaven river eight miles south of Norfolk, 
and Lynnhaven, a new and improving summer resort. 

With good lands easily tilled, abundant supplies from the waters, cheap 
and convenient access to market, climate pleasant and salubrious, and a 
county showing considerable progress in many respects, it would seem that 
.this is a section where all should be contented and prosperous. 



PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1730 from Stafford and King George. It is 
located in the northeast portion of the State, seventy miles air line north 
from Richmond, and within about 30 miles from Washington, D. C, and 
extends from the Bull Run mountains on the north to the Potomac river 
on the south. It contains an area of 353 square miles. 

The lands of this section are low in price, but under a proper system of 
cultivation can be made quite productive, and will undoubtedly increase 
in value and importance, owing to their close proximity to the National 
Capital. The surface is rolling, soil freestone, and generally good. Some 
portions of the county contain as fine lands as are to be found anywhere 
In the State. 



196 

The principal farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, live 
stock, poultry and fruit. Average yield per acre: corn, 40 bushels; wheat, 
12 bushels; oats, 20 bushels; rye, 12 bushels; potatoes, 100 bushels; and 
hay, one and one-fourth tons. 

In the upper or northern end of the county, there are some fine blue gr ass 
lands, splendidly adapted to grazing and stock raising; hence cattle and 
sheep are raised in large numbers for the northern markets, and horses 
of all breeds, from draught horses to hunters and racers. Fiui s of a'l kinds 
succeed well, and their culture is receiving increased attention. Grapes 
have been found to do well and quite a large acreage is devoted to the 
vine in different sections. 

Dairy products pay well, there being special facilities afforded by the 
Southern railway for placing the milk from stations in this section on the 
Washington market. Poultry raising has increased largely during the 
past few years, and is a profitable industry; in fact, the production of any 
food supplies for the Washington market brings good returns. 

Railroad facilities are excellent, and. are furnished by the main line 
of the Southern railway, which passes through the center of the county 
from northeast to southwest, and its Manassas division, extending north- 
west to its connection with the B. &. O railway at Strasburg; while the 
Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railway extends through the south- 
east portion, and on a line with the Potomac river. The principal rail- 
way stations in 11 to county, other than Manassas, are Wellington, Gains 
ville, Hay Market, and Thoroughfare, on the Manassas branch; Bristow 
and Nokesville on the main line of the Southern, and Occoquan and Quan- 
tico on the R. K t\ P. railway. These places, while but small villages, 
are the concentrating points for considerable amounts of produce, and, dur- 
ing the summer season, the country places tributary to them are popular 
resorts for city visitors. 

The Potomac river, on its southeast border, furnishes water transporta- 
tion to that section and fine fishing shores. Minerals are gold, copper, 
barytes, slate, soapstone, hrownstone, limestone, marble and coal, but un- 
developed except brownstone and slate, which are being sue e s fully worked. 

Timbers are pine, oak, hickory, chestnut and cedar. The county is well 
watered by the Potomac, the Occoquan and Bull Ru • rivers, and these 
streams also afford considerable water power. Its manufacturing enter- 
prises are flouring mills, spoke factory, ppnirg and f aw mills, larytes 
mines (employing about 100 hands), and a garbage faitory lo ated at 
Cherry Hill. Climate is mild, beiuc. free from high and low tempera' im\;. 
Health is excellent. Water, freestone, from springs and well?. Church 
buildings are good and all the principal denominations represented. Edu- 
cational advantages consist of Catholic Institute, Manassas Institute, a 
good system of public free schools and an industrial school for colored 
youths. Telephone service embraces local lines and Bell and Southern 
long distance. Mail facilities ample and extending to all se?tions. Public 
roads are well located and in good condition. This county has greatly 
improved agriculturally within the past fifteen years, and the financial 
condition of her farmers is better than at any period since the war. Many 
norther 1 , western and English families have located in the county, cleared 
up and put under cultivation large tracts of waste lands and ere. ted theiv- 
on substantial improvements. 

Population of the county, census of 1900, 11,112. Increase since census 
of 1890, 1,307. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,796. 

Manassas, the county seat, is situated at the junction of the main line of 
the Southern railway with the branch that extends westward through the 



197 

Shenandoah valley. It is 33 miles southwest of Washington and is a trad- 
ing center for a productive populous section of the county. It has a popu- 
lation, census of 1900, of 817, which is an increase of 287 since last cen- 
sus. Among its industries are a spoke factory, two lumber mills, cigar 
factory, and confectionery factory; also near the town is a brownstone 
quarry. There are numerous churches and public and private 
schools, a bank, newspaper, female college, fraternal orders and a large 
number of business houses. There are many fine residences both at Man- 
assas and in the surrounding country, which is very picturesque and at- 
tractive. Quite a number of people from the North have located in this 
section within the past few years. Only a few miles di-tant from Manassas 
is the Bull Run battlefield, on which was fought two of the fiercest battles 
of the Civil War. Other towns of the county are Occoquan, population, 
297; Dumfries, population, 160; and Brentsville and Potomac. 



PULASKI COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1839 from Montgomery and Wythe, and named 
in honor of Count Pulaski, a hero of the Revolution. It is situated in 
the great Southwest valley, 200 miles air line southwest from Richmond. 
It is 23 miles long from north to south, 18 miles wide from east to west, 
and contains an area of 338 square miles, one-half under cultivation. Sur- 
face level and rolling and in some parts mountainous. The soil is rich 
and very productive. 

Wheat and corn are the staple grain crops, the average yield of which 
is 15 to 25 bushels of wheat per acre, and from 35 to 50 bushels of ccrn 
per acre; also oats, rye and millet are grown to a considerable extent. 
The soil is well adapted to the artificial grasses, and immense quantities 
of fine hay are annually produced; but the greatest agricultural wealth 
of this county consists in its splendid grazing facilities, being the natural 
home of what is termed the Kentucky blue grass. It is unsurpassed in 
this respect by any county in the State for the territory embraced. 

The quality of cattle produced is very fine — equal to any in the United 
States — and the annual shipments are very large, the great proportion 
being sold for export to the English markets, and that sold in the Baltimore 
markets conceded to be unsurpassed and commanding top prices. Much at- 
tention is paid by the leading agriculturists of the county to the intro- 
duction of superior breeds of cattle; also of horses, sheep and hogs, of 
which they make fine exhibits at their annual county fair. Large numbers 
of fine riding and driving horses are found in this county, and the lamb 
and wool product is very extensive. 

All the fruits of this latitude, such as apples, peaches, pears, plums, 
quinces and the smaller fruits, grow to great perfection here, and 
this industry is growing very rapidly in interest and importance. The 
dairy products and early vegetables fir.d a ready market at the home towns, 
and are a source of considerable revenue to the people. Other market 
advantages are the numerous furnaces and mines of the county that take a 
large proportion of the farmers' surplus and at good prices. 

This county is well supplied with transportation facilities. The Norfolk 
and Western railroad (the great through line of railway from the Atlantic 
seaboard to the south and east) passes through the heart of the county 
from east to west with two important branches — one, the New River 
division, which passes through the eastern portion of the county and extends 
to the Pocahontas, Flat Top and other coal fields; and the other, the Crip- 
ple Creek division, which leaves the main line at Pulaski City and extends 



199 

up New river, opening up the rich mineral section of the Cripple creek 
valleys. There are also short lines of railway extending to the Altoona 
and Tyler Brush Mountain coal mines, eight and five mjles in length, 
respectively. 

Noted as this county is for its great agricultural resources, it is no less so 
for its mineral wealth. Though small in the extent of its territory in com- 
parison with the other counties of this section, Pulaski is making a wide 
and favorable reputation in this respect — its mineral development in the 
past few years probably equalling any county of the Stite. Within its 
boundaries are found iron and coal in extensive deposits; also zinc, lead, 
manganese, mill stone, grindstone, and whetstone rock of superior quality, 
and fine building stone, both in the limes and sandstone, the latter unex- 
celled in quantity and quality. 

Timbers are oak, pine, poplar, locust, walnut and hickory, though all 
kinds of timber common to Virginia forests is plentiful. 

The county is well watered by New river (which skirts its souta- 
ern and northeastern boundaries) and Little river, and their tributaries. 
Among the latter Back creek, Peak creek, Big and Little Reed Island 
creeks and Laurel are the most important. These streams are well adapted 
to fish, the celebrated New River catfish being plentiful in that stream, 
and other streams well stocked with black bass and many other choice 
varieties. They are also capable of supplying a great deal of valuable 
water power for mills and manufacturing purposes. 

Pulaski occupies a prominent, if not the leading, position among her 
sister countips in manufactories. Several large iron furnaces are located 
in this county, and are now, and through all the recent years of depression 
in the iron trade have been in constant and successful operation. Here are 
also a system of zinc furnaces (12 in number) and the largest in the world, 
reducing the zinc ores of the New river basin to metallic zinc, or spelter, as 
it is called, which is recognized as the standard in the United States, as 
it is in a number of European countries for alloy in its silver mintage. 
Other public works are a half dozen or more large roller flouring mills, 
many grist mills, and sawmills, and a splendidly equipped foundry, making 
various kinds of machinery and fixtures for mills, furnaces, etc. 

The climate is dry, invigorating and comparatively mild. The elevation 
being between 1,800 and 2,000 feet above sea level, the atmosphere is pure 
and free from malaria, rendering it exceedingly healthful. Water — very 
fine, principally limestone, though freestone water is found in some sections. 

Splendid churches of all the Protestant denominations, with good mem- 
bership, Presbyterian and Methodist predominating. Educatioral advan- 
tages are good, with the public schools in a flourishing condition, fine 
graded schools at several points in the county and good school buildings. 
Local telephone service excellent throughout the county, and long distance 
service through the Virginia and Tennessee Telephone Company, to points 
east and west. Mail facilities are satisfactory with five daily mails to 
Pulaski (the county seat), and a daily mail at nearly every other post- 
office in the county. The financial condition of the county is excellent, 
and public roads good. 

There are several mineral springs containing alum, lithia, and iron, the 
most noted of which is Hunter's Alum Springs near Little Walker's creek, 
eight and a half miles from Pulaski City, which has had a growing reputa- 
tion among the sick, dating back 50 years; and under the new manage- 
ment, and substantial improvements, it starts out well the present year. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 14,609. Increase since census of 
1890, 1,819. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,369. 

Pulaski, the chief town and county seat, is located in the western part 
of the county on the Norfolk and Western railrcad 316 miles from Norfolk. 



200 

and 92 miles from Bristol, and is the terminus of the Cripple Creek rail- 
road, extending into the noted iron and zinc ore fields of that section and 
of the Altoona railroad extending to near by coal fields on the north, it 
is a beautiful and flourishing town of 2,813 inhabitants (census of 1900), 
and shows an increase of 701 since last census. It is extensively engaged 
in manufactories, having 12 zinc furnaces in one plant in active operation, 
and two large iron furnaces which have been running continuously since 
they were put in blast, ten or twelve years ago, except when out for re- 
pairs. Other manufactories are a large roller flour mill, foundry, and large 
wood-working manufactory. These operations, especially the iron and zinc 
furnaces, employ a large number of laborers, many of them skilled work- 
men at good wages. No town in Virginia is more favorably located for 
manufacturing purposes on a large scale. Pulaski boasts of one of the 
finest court houses and hotels in the State; also a number of handsome 
business houses and residences, many of them built of stone from the sand- 
stone quarries near by. The public schools of the city are good and well 
patronized, with handsome buildings, well equipped. There are also several 
excellent private schools. Churches are numerous, with good buildings — six 
white, embracing Baptist, Christian, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist and 
Presbyterian, and three colored churches — two Baptist and one African 
Methodist. Recent additions are the Pulaski opera house, a wholesale 
grocery, and a large carriage and machinery building. The Crabtree Min- 
eral Springs near by are improved and popular. Other enterprises are a 
newspaper, two banks doing a large business, and several fraternal orders. 
Other towns are Newbury, Churchwood, New River, Dublin, Snowville, 
and Allisonia. Some of these towns have manufacturing enterprises, and 
all have considerable population and are of business importance. 



RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1831 from Culpeper, and is located in the 
northern portion of the State, 100 miles northwest from Richmond, and con- 
tains an area of 264 square miles — 850 farms, average size farms 195 acres. 
Average price improved farm lands $10 per acre. Average assessed value 
of lands $6.75 per acre. 

The surface is undulating, soil generally fertile and produces fine crops 
of corn, wheat, oats, tobacco, rye and buckwheat. The soil and climate 
are especially adapted to the growth of fruit, and all kinds succead well 

There are large areas of fine grazing lands in the county, and fat cat- 
tle, sheep and hogs, in large numbers are annually shipped to the eastern 
markets. 

Kaolin and iron have bee i found, but as yet are undeveloped. Timbers 
are oak, chestnut, pine, hickory, poplar and walnut, and are of good 
quality and of considerable quantity, especially along the line of the 
Blue Ridge mountains. Owing to inconvenient transportation facilities, 
very little timber is shipped from the county, but is manufactured into 
lumber by the numerous sawmills in operation. The mountain sections 
furnish large quantities of tan bark for market and local tanneries. 

The county is well watered by the head waters of the Rappahannock river, 
which also affords most excellent water power. In climate, health and 
water it is everything that could be desired. 

Society is excellent, and all sections of the county well supplied with 
churches and schools. Mail facilities are ample, and as transportation of 
the products of the county is wholly by wagons, considerable attention is 
paid to the turnpike, and other public roads, which are kept in better con- 
dition than most counties with as broken surface; and although without 



201 

railroad facilities, this fine county offers great inducements to settlers on 
its fertile lands, and the grazing is practically convenient to the Baltimore, 
Washington and Georgetown markets. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 8,843. Increase since last census, 
165. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2. 003. 

Washington, the county seat, is located near the center of the county, 
26 miles from Culpeper on the Southern railway, and 18 miles from Kimball 
on the Norfolk and Western road, with which place it. has daily mail com- 
munication. Population, census of 1900, 300. Increase since last census. 
48. 

Other towns are Flint Hill, Woodville, and Sperryville. At the lat- 
ter place there is a large tannery and many shops for the smaller mechani- 
cal industries. 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1692 from old Rappahannock. It is situated 
50 miles northeast from Richmond in the section known as the Northern 
Neck. It is thirty miles long by about seven miles in width and contains 
an area of 188 square miles, one-third in cultivation. Average price im- 
proved farm lands $11 per acre. Average assessed value $5.50 per acre. 
Surface undulating; soil a sandy loam with clay subsoil and very fertile 
on the low grounds. 

Farms products are wheat, corn, rye, oats, peas, potatoes, fruits, 
and vegetables and grasses of various kinds. Trucking is of con- 
siderable importance and largely on the increase. The most important 
and profitable products of the the county are the fish and oysters, in which 
its streams abound in large quantities and of superior quality. Game is 
abundant and water fowl of choice varieties. Grazing facilities are fairly 
good. The usual farm stock — horses, cattle, hogs and sheep — are grown; 
the latter especially are found to be quite profitable. 

There are no railroads, but water navigation is convenient via the Rappa- 
hannock river and inlets, the former being navigable for large vessels. 
Market advantages are excellent by a daily line of steamers to Baltimore, 
Fredericksburg and Norfolk. 

Marl is found in large quantities and is u=e;l with good effect 
on the lands. Timbers consist of oak, hickory, chestnut, gum, ash, maple, 
pine, dogwood and elm, the pine and oak being converted into lumber 
by the numerous sawmills in operation in the county. Rappahannock 
river and numerous creeks afford ample water supply. There are berry and 
vegetable canneries and a barrel manufactory for truck and oyster bar- 
rels. The climate is mild, health and water good, churches convenient; and 
educational advantages consist of Farnham Academy and numerous public 
schools. Telephone service and mail facilities ample, and public roads 
kept in good repair. This county shows ccn iderble vrogress ^nd its 
people are prosperous and contented. There is much to recommend it to 
home seekers in its mild climate, fertile soil — easy cf cultivation — cheap 
and abundant living and convenient access to market. 

Population, census of 1900, 7,088. Number of males 21 years and over, 
1,585. 

Warsaw, the county seat, is an inland country village, situated near the 
center of the county, six miles from the river, and contains a population of 
about 150, one public school, newspaper, fraternal order, and several 
churches. 



203 

ROANOKE COUNTY. 

This county, formed frorn Botetourt in 1838, is situated west of the Blue- 
Ridge mountains in the famous Roanoke valley, 175 miles almost due west 
from Richmond. It is 20 miles long and about 15 miles wide and contains- 
an area of 297 square miles. Altitude at Salem 1,006 feet. The surface is 
undulating, being divided into valleys and mountains, the latter princi- 
pally on its boundaries. Soil alluvial, clay loam and limestone, very fertile, 
especially the valleys. 

This is a splendid agricultural county, producing large crops of all the 
staple products — wheat, corn, oats, rye, hay, etc., This county has, in. 
recent years, made great progress in fruit culture, all varieties 
of which known to this climate do well; such as apples, pears, 
peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, grapes and the smaller fruits. Vege- 
tables also are grown to great extent and perfection, which, together with 
peaches, berries, etc., are put up in large quantities by the various can- 
ning establishment located in the county, and Botetourt county adjacent. 
The apple culture, especially, has created much interest in the county, and it 
is coming to be one of the foremost apple growing counties in the State, 
containing some of the largest orchards in the United States. Large ship- 
ments af apples are annually made to the markets of Europe direct from 
the orchards, yielding to the grower from $5,000 to $15,000 for the year's 
crop. Trucking is quite an important industry, and Roanoke City and the 
coal fields furnish excellent markets for this and other farm products. 

Grazing facilities in this county, in common with all others in this sec- 
tion of the State, are superior, especially in the blue grass section in the 
northern part. Cattle and sheep are raised extensively, and have direct and 
quick transportation via Shenandoah Valley railroad to the large markets, 
besides supplying the local demand in Roanoke and Salem. 

Most excellent transportation facilities are furnished by the different lines 
of the Norfolk and Western system traversing the country which i elude the 
main line east and west — the Shenandoah valley division leading northeast 
to the great cities of that section, and the Roanoke & Southern south 
through the tobacco counties of southern Piedmont and into North Carolina. 

The minerals of the county are iron, manganese, barytes, marble, slate and 
limestone, the most valuable and important of which are its iron ores, mag- 
netic and hematite, which are in great abundance, and of superior quality, 
and are being extensively developed and worked. There are several mineral 
springs in the county, of high reputation for their medicinal properties, the 
most important of which are the celebrated Roanoke Red Sulphur Springs, 
peculiarly adapted to consumptives. The most valuable varieties of timber 
are Avalnut, poplar, oak, chestnut, pine and hickory. 

The county is watered and drained principally by the Roanoke 
river and its numerous tributaries passing through the center 
of the county and flowing southeast, and to some extent by tributaries 
of the James running north. These streams furnish some very fine water 
powers, and are good fishing streams for bass and other varieties. Trout 
are also found in the mountain streams. Manufactories consist of flour mills 
and sawmills, roller mill supplies, Avoolen mills, steam tannery, a ferti- 
lizer mill, foundry, and a number of canneries. The climate is an average 
temperature, health excellent, water very fine. Churches are numerous, 
and include all the principal evangelical denominations. Educational 
advantages are very superior. In addition to its excellent public school 
system, there are male and female colleges of a high order, notably Roa- 
noke College located at Salem, and Hollins Institute located six mile* 
from the city of Roanoke in a most beautiful and picturesque section. Situ- 
ated 1,200 feet above sea level, its climate is salubrious at all seasons and 
it enjoys the further advantage of having exce]lent sulphur water on the 



"rounds. This school is conducted exclusively in the interest of the higher 
education of young ladies, and is thoroughly equipped at a cost of over 
$150,000. The mail facilities and telephone service of the county are ex- 
cellent, and good county roads, including a splendid macadamized road, 
extend through the whole length of the county. The comity is free 
from debt, and people are prosperous, and progress and advancement are 
apparent everywhere. 

Population of county (independent of Roanoke City), census of 1900, 
15,83.7. Increase (independent of Roanoke City) since census of 1890, 1,895. 

The above is a good exhibit of growth in population, as part of the 
county has been annexed to Roanoke City since last census, and the popula- 
tion thereof included with that city in the recent census. 

Salem, the county seat, is situated near the center of the county, in the 
beautiful Roanoke valley through which flows Roanoke river, and around 
which rise the Blue Ridge and Alleghany mountains. Lying 1,100 feet abo.e 
the sea, it is deservedly noted for its salubrious and healthful climate, and 
is surpassed by no town in the State for beauty of situation, and the 
wide expanse, fertility and picturesque scenery of the surrounding coun- 
try. It lies on the main line of the Norfolk & Western railroad, and is 
connected by an electric railway line with Roanoke, six miles distant. 
The streets are well paved and macadamized. The water is of exceptio :a! 
abundance and quality, being supplied !y se/er 1 large springs owned 
by the town. Salem is noted not only for the intelligence and refinement, 
but also for the high moral and religions tone of its population. Its elwen 
churches are well attended, represented by the Methodist, Presbyter an, 
Lutheran. Baptist, Episcopal and Catholic. Its educational advantages are 
of a very high order, it being the seat of Roanoke College, an institution for 
the education of males, widely known and justly celebrated as one of the lead- 
ing colleges of the State; during its existence of a half a century, having at- 
tracted students from almost half the States of the Union, and several for- 
eign countries. The college buildings are spacious, imposing brick struc- 
tures: the grounds attractive with beautiful green sward and luxuriant 
growth of forest ar.d ornamental trees. Its able corps of instructors, 
laboratory, extensive library, location, and excellent moral and religious 
influence of the community, render it a most desirable schcol for the 
young men of our State. Other schools are the Salem Female Seminary, 
the Baptist Orphanage and the Lutheran Orphanage. These are compara- 
tively young but growing institutions, in numbers and reputation. The 
graded schools (white and colored) rank among the first cf the State 
for efficiency and good management. The town is supplied with excellent 
hotels, and three strong banks, two newspapers, and fraternal orders. 

There are a number of flourishing i dustries and enterprises at Salem, 
some of them very extensive, affording employment to considerable expert 
labor. The most prominent are the machine works, steam tannery, woolen 
mills, carriage and w?gon works, brick works, roller flour mills, and ice 
factory. 

The population of Salem, census of "890, was 3,412, and by the local- 
school census of 1905, it is over 5.000. 



ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Augusta and Botetourt in 1778, and named 
from its great natural curiosity, the Natural Bridge. This is cne of 
the great valley counties lying between the Blue Ridge and Alleghany 
mountains, 159 miles due west from Richmond. It is 31 miles in length 
and 22 in width, and contains 593 square miles (about three-fourths 
in cultivation). Average size farms 185 acres. Average price of im- 
proved farm lands $20.00 per acre. Average assessed value $12.00 per- 



206 

^acre. Farming lands have recently increased very much in value — many 
farms exchanging hands at $50 per acre, and it is not an unheard of 
thing for farms to sell at $150 per acre. 

The surface is rolling, and in parts mountainous, especially on the east- 
•ern and western borders. The soil is chiefly limestone, very fertile and 
highly improved, especially in the central portion of the county. Like 
all the valley counties, this is a rich agricultural, and pastoral county, 
producing fine crops of grain and all the cultivated grasses. Fruits of all 
kinds do Avell, and farm dairying, and poultry raising are sources of con- 
siderable profit. This county has some very fine grazing lands, which ren- 
der stock raising profitable and the chief farm industry. 

Transportation facilities are very superior, embracing the Chesapeake and 
Ohio (and its branches), the Baltimore ar.d Ohio, and Shenandoah Valley 
railroads. 

The mineral resources of this county are very extensive and constitute one 
«of its greatest sources of wealth and importance. Its various mineral 
deposits include iron ore, in large quantity and exceptionally fine quality, 
tin ore, manganese, barytes, kaolin, gypsum, marble of superior quality. 
and limestone, from which is produced a superior hydraulic cement 
which has a high reputation and large demand. Several of these have been 
developed and are being successfully worked. The mineral waters of this 
• county are numerous and of wide celebrity, embracing the Rockbridge 
Alum, Jordan Alum, Cold Sulphur, Wilson's White Sulphur and Rock- 
bridge Baths — all places of popular resort for health and pleasure. 

The scenery in many portions of Rockbridge is very grand and pictur- 
esque, and the county contains several points of great interest to the traveler 
and pleasure seeker, among which the most noted is the Natural Bridge, a 
natural rock arch 215 feet high and 100 feet wide, spanning Cedar creek, a 
small mountain stream 90 feet. It is famous as being one of the greatest 
natural curiosities in the world, of which Marshall said: "It is one of 
God's greatest miracles in stone." Clay spoke of it as "the bridge not made 
with hands that spans a river, carries a highway, and makes two mountains 
one." Other interesting points are Balcony Falls on the James, and Goshen 
Pass on North river. 

Timber is abundant, of which the principal and most valuable species arc 
oak, pine, poplar, walnut, hickory, and chestnut. This county is abund- 
antly watered by James river through its southern border, North river 
in the central portion, and by their numerous tributaries. They also afford 
excellent water power (some of which is utilized) and good supplies of fish, 
especially of bass in the James. The most important manufactories of 
the county are its large iron furnaces and cement works, both of which 
are extensively and successfully operated. There are also numerous grain 
and saw mills. 

The climate is somewhat variable, though very healthful and invigorating 
and water excellent. Churches are numerous, also educational advantages 
of a high order. Telephone service and mail facilities afford ample 
communication to all sections. This county is not only one of the largest, 
but ranks as among the most populous and flourishing in the State, and 
great impetus has been given to its advancement the past few years by 
a large influx of capital and enterprise which is shown in the growth of 
its towns and manufacturing plants. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 21,799. Number of males 21 years 
and over, 5,135. 

Lexington, the county seat, is situated on North river, near the center 
of the county, surrounded by a beautiful and fertile country. It is an 
active thriving little city of 3,203 inhabitants (census of 1900). It has 
excellent railroad facilities, being located on the Chesapeake & Ohio and 



207 

the Valley division of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. It is lighted by 
•electricity and has water works that furnish an ample supply of water 
unsurpassed in quality. It has well paved streets, large public schools 
and school buildings, numerous private schools, beautiful churches (no- 
tably Grace Memorial Church, Episcopal, which was erected in memory of 
General Robert E. Lee), three banks of large capital; also two newspa- 
pers, several fraternal orders, a successful wholesale grocery, large flouring 
mill and wood working plant. But perhaps Lexington's most notable fea- 
ture and of which she is justly proud are its two famous institutions of 
learning, the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee Univer- 
sity — the former a State institution founded in 1839 and controlled by a 
Board of Visitors appointed by the Governor; the latter chartered in 1782 
as Liberty Hall Academy, first endowed by Washington, and later re- 
ceiving the added lustre of the name of Robert E. Lee, its president for 
six years after the war. It is now a handsomely endowed, splendidly 
equipped and extensively patronized university. Lexington is also noted 
as the home of Stonewall Jackson before the war, and of Robert E. Lee 
-after the war, and is the burial place of both. 

Buena Vista is a new city of large manufacturing importance, beauti- 
fully situated on North river and has a population of 2,388, census of 1900 
which is an increase of 1,344 since census of 1890. Number of males 21 
years and over, 604. It has two railroads — the Shenandoah Valley 
branch of the Norfolk and Western, and the James River and 
Lexington branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio; also several good hotels, 
handsome churches, fine public school buildings, private schools, a 
beautiful city hall and courthouse, good water supply system, and electric 
plant. 

Other important towns are Glasgow, Goshen, Collierstown, Brownsburg, 
and Balcony Falls. 



ROCKINGHAM COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Augusta in the year 1778 — 128 years age — 
and is almost as old as the Federal government, and lies west of the 
Blue Ridge mountains in the Shenandoah valley, about 130 miles northwest 
from Richmond. It borders on the State of West Virginia on the northwest, 
from which it is separated by the North or Shenandoah mountains. It 
•contains an area of 870 square miles. : 

The surface is rolling and mountainous on the southeast and northwest 
borders. The greater portion is valuable farm land and in cultivation, very 
fertile, and as a grain-producing county it has no peer. In the prediction 
of wheat, and average yield per acre, it ranks probably as high an any 
county in the State. Its best farms have produced as high as 45 bushels 
per acre aud 25 bushels is considered a fair average. Its yield of corn, oats, 
rye and barley are in like proportion — the latter embracing nearly half the 
product of the State. Not only is this a notably fine grain producing 
county, but it is peculiarly a grass and stock section, and this is perhaps 
the principal source of its great prosperity. Hay is grown in great 
abundance, and being a natural blue grass soil large numbers of choice 
cattle, horses, sheep, and hogs are annually shipped from this ccunty to 
the northern markets. Some of Virginia's finest horses are reared in this 
county, and it is considered one of the largest and best horse markets in 
the State, having regular sale days at Harrison>uir?-, at whi^h t'^e sa'e- have 
been known to aggregate in one day $25,000 to $30,000, principally to 
northern buyers, and at an average price of $100 per head. 

Fruits of all kinds do well. No section of the State is better adapted t 
this industry, and it is receiving increased attention. Railroad facilities 



209 

are excellent Avith two main lines (the Baltimore and Ohio and Shenandoah 
Valley railroads ) extending through the county from north to south, and 
these connected by a cross line, affording ample facilities for marketing the 
large quantity of grain and other products, and the vast number of cattle, 
horses, sheep, and hogs annually shipped to the markets. The extension of 
the C. & W. will, in the early future, bring this county in direct com- 
munication with the coal region of the west, and Richmond in the east. 
This county has also great possibilities in the way of undeveloped mineral 
resources. It has iron, manganese, copper, coal, lead, ochre, marble of 
several varieties, and limestone abundant in every section. Mineral waters 
of great virtue are found, the most celebrated being Rawley Springs, eleven 
miles from Harrisonburg. 

Much of the original growth of timber has been culled out, but there 
still exists a considerable quantity, especially in the mountain region, 
such as oak, chestnut, pine, poplar, cedar, etc. 

The county contains a number of rivers and creeks. Of the former the 
principal streams are the Shenandoah, North and South rivers, and it is 
thus well watered, and supplied with power for milling and manufacturing 
purposes. Manufactories are numerous and important, embracing more than 
30 roller mills with a capacity of 50 to 175 barrels flour each per day. A 
large number of sawmills, several large tanneries, woolen mills, fertilizer 
plant, furniture factory, agricultural implement factories, plaster mill, 
foundries and furnaces, canning establishments, and creamery and cheese 
plants. 

The climate is exceedingly healthful and invigorating — cooler in summer 
and winter than the eastern section of the State, and warmer than the 
mountains. Malarial diseases are entirely unknown. Water excellent 
and principally limestone. Churches are numerous and convenient, all 
Protestant denominations having houses of worship throughout the county. 
The public schools of the county rank very high, having been pronounced 
by the United States Commissioner of Education (Harris) the best in the 
State. Telephone service is cheap and efficient, extending over this and 
adjoining counties, and it is claimed that Rockingham has more rural 
telephones than any county in the United States. Mail facilities are of the 
best, ten rural free delivery routes having been established in this county, 
reaching almost every section of it and making it the banner county of the 
State in this respect. 

This is a very progressive county in the improvement of its highways, 
good buildings, and general appearance of thrift and prosperity. Finan- 
cial condition of county and people is excellent. Wealth is probably more 
evenly distributed than any other county of the State. Of the $1,000,000 
on deposit in the banks, the greater part belong to the farmers of the 
oounty, and all the money wanted can be gotten from the banks at 5 per 
cent. Its roads are among the best in Virginia, and furnish good and con- 
venient highways to the various markets throughout the county. Its peo- 
ple are law-abiding, conservative, hospitable and progressive. 

Population of county, census of 1900. 33,527. Increase since census of 
1890, 2,228. Number of males 21 years and over, 8,045. 

Harrisonburg, the county seat, is located in the central part of the 
county, in a rich, prosperous and progressive section 122 miles northwest 
from Richmond, 25 miles from Staunton, and 40 miles from Charlottes- 
ville. It is situated on the Southern and the Valley railroads, and has a 
population of 3,521, which is an increase of 729 since last census. It is 
a nourishing town rapidly growing in commercial importance, as is at- 
tested by the number of enterprises recently established, such as the Rock- 
ingham Creamery Company, with six skimming stations in the county 
using 4,000 pounds milk daily, and making 150 pounds butter and the same 

14 



210 



quantity of cheese. This enterprise is growing rapidly and has a capac- 
ity of 1,000 pounds of butter daily. The Rockingham Horse and Colt 
Show Association have built a new track at considerable cost, and it is 
claimed to have no superior in the State. This association is doing a 
good work in encouraging stock raising in this section. An evaporating 
plant has recently been established here which handles a large quantity of 
apples and does a profitable business. A new tobacco factory of large 
capital is doing a thriving business in the manufacture of cigars. Die 
city recently put in a new sewerage system, and other municipal improve- 
ments have been inaugurated. Many business and dwelling houses have 
been erected, and others enlarged and remodeled. An annex to the school 
building has been constructed with all modern improvements. The 
county courthouse and other public buildings are among the finest in 
the State. Other and older enterprises are a steam tannery, turning out 
100 sides of leather daily. Planing mills, ice factory, carriage factory, 
flouring mills — producing 150 barrels per day — several graded public 
schools, four newspapers, two banks, a large number of churches, several 
fraternal orders, electric lights and a superior water works system, both 
owned by the town. 

Other towns are Bridgewater, population 800; Broadway, population 
400; Dayton, population 425; Singer Glen, population 108; Timberville, 
population 173; also Mount Crawford, McG-aheysville, Dovesville, Keezel- 
town, Mount Clinton, Linville, and Port Republic. 

As Rockingham ranks high among the counties of the State in point of 
area, so it claims a place near the head of the list in wealth, industry, and 
progress. Thirty-five years ago, owing to the ravages of war, it lay almost 
a barren waste; today, instead of lands and property devastated, plenty 
smiles on every hand, and but for the monuments of her heroes a^d his- 
tory, no one would ever dream when surveying its broad acres of waving 
grain and grass that it had ever undergone the devastating influence of 
war. At the close of that war its citizens were improverished, its finances 
depleted and there was a gloomy prospect for the future; but with that 
energy characteristic of her people, houses and barns soon again dotted 
the landscape; fields were fenced and planted, and since that time Roaking- 
ham has been taking a leading part in every line of material advancement. 
To the enterprising farmer, one who farms on a business basis, this county 
offers rare advantages; indeed, among the counties of the State none offer 
greater inducements to the prospective resident. 



RUSSELL COUNTY. 

This county was formd in 1786 from Washington. It is situated in 
the southwestern portion of the State, 370 miles southwest from Richmond, 
and bounded north by Buchanan and Dickenson, from which it is separated 
by a mountain range known as Sandy Ridge, south by Washington (Clinch 
mountain forming the dividing line), west by Scott and Wise, and east by 
Tazewell county. This is a large county, being 40 miles long from cast 
to west, and 20 miles wide from north to south, containing an area of 
503 square miles — 370,153 acres; 1,579 farms, average size farms 185 acres; 
unimproved lands $8.00 to $12.00 per acre; improved lands $15.00 to $50.00 
per acre; average assessed value $5.00 per acre; about three-quarters of 
area in cultivation. 

The surface to a considerable extent is broken. There are some very 
fertile sections in the valleys and along the streams, producing fine crops 
of grain and grass far exceeding the average in most of the counties of the 
State. Especially is it noted for its extensive area of fine blue grass land-, 
upon which are raised large numbers of fine cattle that are annually shipped 
out to supply the export market. 



211 

The principal farm product are wheat, corn, oats, hay, rye and potatoes, 
that find a ready and remunerative market in the coal mining region near by. 
Fruits of all kinds common to this latitude do well, especially apples, 
peaches, grapes, etc. Fish, such as black bass, cat and red-eye, abound in 
large quantities in the Clinch and its tributaries. The grazing and feeding, 
not only of cattle but of horses, sheep and hogs, is extensively carried on, 
and the quality and breeding is exceptionally fine. Stock raising, especi- 
ally of cattle, is the principal industry of the county. The numbers of cat- 
tle* annually sold from the county is from 10,000 to 12,000 head, of which 
about 3,000 are shipped to European markets. Of sheap there are about 
10,000, and horses and mules about 5,000. 

Railroad facilities are furnished by the Clinch Valley division of the 
Norfolk & Western railroad, which traverses the county from east to west. 
The minerals of this county are extensive and valuable, embracing iron 
ore (red and brown hematite), manganese, coal, lead, zinc, salt, sandstone, 
limestone, marble and barytes. Timber is abundant and of the most valu- 
able varieties, such as walnut, poplar, cherry, locust, chestnut, white and 
chestnut oak, lynn, sugar and hemlock, in its primitive size and beauty. 

This county is well watered mainly by Clinch river and its tributaries, 
in the northern portion, and Moccasin creek, a branch of the Holston, in 
the southwest section. These streams and their tributary creeks afford 
numerous valuable water powers, reliable throughout the year, upon 
which are situated man grain and saw mills. Beautiful river scenery 
and fine landscapes are presented to the eye on every hand. Notably of the 
latter is Elk Garden, Rosedale and other sections with their splendid grass 
lands limited by the high mountains and threaded by constant streams, 
flowing from bold springs; not only filling up the measure of the beautiful, 
but carrying conviction of the great wealth and fertility of this section. 
This elevated mountain section is noted for its healthful and bracing climate 
and splendid water. Churches are numerous, and educational advantages 
consist of the public school system in a flourishing condition, private 
schools, and a young ladies' institute. 

Lebanon, the county seat, has a population of about 300, and is situated 
near the center of the county a short distance from Cedar creek, and six 
miles from Cleveland, a station on the Clinch valley division of the Norfolk 
and Western railroad, with which it has daily mail communication. It 
is healthfully located, and contains churches of different denominations, 
a female college, newspaper, fraternal orders, hotels, stores, etc. 

Other towns are Hansonville, in the southwest side of the county on Moc- 
casin creek, a handsome little village with mill, stores, etc. Honakersville 
on Lewis creek, on the north side of the county — also Dickensonville and 
other places in the county, such as Honaker, Rosedale, Castlewood and 
Elk Garden, are convenient places of trade for the surrounding county. 
The Clinchfield Coal Company has a valuable plant at Dante, which has a 
capacity of 1,000 tons daily. The population of Dante is about 2,500, and 
it is by far the largest place in the county. 

Total population of county, census of 1900, 18,031. Increase since census 
•of 1890, 1,905. Number of males 21 years and over, 4,002. 



SCOTT COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1814 from Washington, Russell and Lee, and 
is situated in the extreme southwest portion of the State, 350 miles south- 
west from Richmond, its southern boundary being the State of Tennes- 
see. It has a population, census of 1900, of 22,694, which is an increase 
of 1,000 since last census, and 4,927 males 21 years old and over. It con- 
tains an area of 535 square miles, two-thirds of which is in cultivation. The 



212 

surface is rather mountainous and hilly, although there are some fine farm- 
ing and blue grass lands along Clinch river, which flows through the county 
from northeast to southwest, and on Holston river in the southern part; 
and also a large amount of land in other sections, while not so smooth is 
quite productive, yielding good crops of wheat, corn, rye, oats and buck- 
wheat, especially the two former. It is especially noted for its large pro- 
duction of sorghum and maple sugar, also butter and other dairy products. 
There is a considerable area devoted to the cultivation of fruit, such as 
apples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries, and some grapes. 

Grazing facilities are good and stock raising is an important and profit- 
able industry, large numbers of cattle, sheep, horses and mules, of good 
grade, being marketed every year, and bringing into the county consider- 
able revenue. 

Transportation facilities are furnished by the Virginia and Southwestern 
railroad extending from Bristol and passing through the county to Big 
Stone Gap in Wise, and there connecting with the L. & iST. system. This 
road gives a most excellent market in the coal fields of Wise for the pro- 
ducts of the county. A new road, the South and Western, passing directly 
through the county, is now building. This county is very rich in minerals, 
having an abundance of iron ore (red and brown hematite), manganese, 
lead, coal, marble of various kinds and of superior quality, barytes. fire- 
clay and limestone in abundance. Some of these have been developed and 
mined to some extent. Salt is also known to exist in the southeast corner 
of the county but to what extent, is as yet undeveloped. There are several 
sulphur and chalybeate springs of known efficacy and reputation, the most 
important of which are the Holston Springs on Holston river and Hagan's 
Springs on Stanton creek in the northern part of the county. Considerable 
areas abound in valuable timber, such as walnut, oak of the various 
varieties, pine, ash, cedar, lind, hickory, birch, sycamore, elm, etc. The 
county is well waterd by Clinch river and the north fork of the Holston and 
their tributaries, and these streams afford unlimited water power for mills 
and manufacturing purposes. 

Manufactories consist of a large number of grain and saw mills; also 
several bark mills and wood cording machines. A great natural curiosity 
and one of the most wonderful in America is the great Natural Tunnel 
over 900 feet long, twelve miles west of Gate City, the county seat on 
Stock creek and on the Virginia and Southwestern railroad, both of which 
pass through it, the only place on record where a railroad can go through 
a mountain opened by the hand of God. There can be no scenery more 
grand and imposing than that afforded by the approach to the tunnel on 
the lower side. An immense Avail of limestone rock forms a high butting 
cliff for several hundred yards below, which has been colored in the course 
of time in beautiful tints of red and gray and brown by the waters car- 
rying down its face different solutions of lime, iron and magnesia. It is 
situated about 1,400 feet above sea level, and when it becomes generally 
known to the tourist its perfectly beautiful and enchanting attractions 
will draw throngs of visitors. 

The climate of this county is equable, health uniformly good, and water 
excellent; large numbers of churches of the various denominations, fine 
public schools, and one college; good telephone service and mail facilities, 
Financial condition of the county first class and on a cash basis; and in 
the matter of progress and general advancement, conditions are highly 
favorable — as much so as adjoining sections. It has a splendid population 
of hospitable, industrious and law-abiding people, and with its large unde- 
veloped resources, it will assume a high position under more favorable con- 
ditions of transportation. Gate City, the county seat, situated on a branch 
of the Holston river, and on the Virginia and Southwestern railroad, which 



213 

extends from Bristol to Big Stone Gap, is an attractive town of about 700 
inhabitants, and has a factory, public school, newspaper, two banks and 
several churches and fraternal orders. 

Smaller towns are Clinchport, population 183; Duffield, population 98; 
Nickelsville, population 200; and other places of considerable business im- 
portance. 



SHENANDOAH COUNTY. 

Shenandoah county, formed from Frederick in 1772, was originally 
called Dunmore, and name changed to Shenandoah in 1777. It lies in the 
northern part of the State 100 miles northwest from Richmond, and joins 
West Virginia. It contains an area of 486 square miles. Price of lands 
$10 to $50 per acre, some of the choicest lands ranging as high as 
$100 per acre. The surface is rolling and mountainous in some parts, 
especially the eastern and western sections of the county. About one-half 
of the area is cleared and cultivated. The soil is mostly disintegrated lime- 
stone, very strong and durable, and a larger proportion of the county is of 
the best class of bottom and valley lands of great beauty and fertility. It 
is also noted for the high state of cultivation which characterizes its im- 
proved lands, and is justly called, in connection with the other valley coun- 
ties, the Garden Spot of Old Virginia. 

This county ranks as among the best grain counties of the State, especial- 
ly for wheat, which is exported principally in the shape of flour, and has a 
high reputation; also corn, oats, and rye in large quantities are produced. 
The next and probably equally important industry of the county is stock 
raising, considerable attention being paid to the introduction of improved 
grades of cattle, sheep, horses and hogs, from Kentucky and elsewhere, and 
this industry is rendered the more profitable on account of the excellent 
grazing facilities in the blue grass uplands. 

Railroads are the Southern and Baltimore and Ohio, which afford ample 
transportation facilities to all sections of the county. 

Minerals are iron ore, coal, manganese, lead, antimony, marble, lime- 
stone, marl, and some valuable clays. Some of these are being utilized, 
and others, as yet, very little developed. Timbers are oak, chestnut, pine, 
hickory, poplar, walnut, ash, etc., existing in fair quantity. 

The Shenandoah Alum and Burness White Sulphur Springs and the Ork- 
ney Springs, especially the latter, are places of much resort for health by 
pleasure seekers. The north fork of the Shenandoah river traversing the 
county its entire length, with its tributaries, afford ample water supply 
and good water power for manufacturing purposes. The climate is tem- 
perate, healthful and invigorating, and the water excellent. Schools and 
churches are abundant, all denominations of the latter being represented. 
Telephone and mail service is extensive, affording ample facilities of com- 
munication with all parts of the country. 

Population, census of 1900, 20,253. Increase since census of 1890, 582. 
Number of males 21 years and over, 5,032. 

Woodstock, the county seat, is located near the center of the county on 
the Manassas branch of the Southern railway, and has a population, census 
of 1900, of 1,069. Its streets are in good condition, paved with macadam, 
have brick sidewalks, and lighted with electricity. A complete system of 
water works is in operation, and several fine buildings have been erected, 
and others are under construction. Its principal industries are flour 
mills, broom and furniture factories, planing mill, lime-kiln, fruit evapora- 
tion and sawmills. It has also good public schools, numerous churches, 



215 

a newspaper, several banks, and fraternal orders. The County Agricultu- 
ral Fair (with good grounds well located) is annually held here, which is 
a great stimulus to its agricultural and other interests. 

Other flourishing towns of the county are Edinburg, population 512; 
Mt. Jackson, population 472; New Market, population 684 (an increase of 
77 since last census ) ; and Strasburg, population 690 (an i crease off 44 
since last census). At the latter place are located factories for the manu- 
facture of porcelain, pottery, etc., and several large lime plants, pro- 
ducing a very superior quality of lime. 



SMYTH COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1831 from Washington and Wythe and is lo- 
cated in Southwestern Virginia, 240 miles from Richmond. The Clinch 
range of mountains rises to a height of 4,000 to 4,500 feet above sea level. 
The Iron mountain rises in its White Top and Balsam peaks (in the south- 
west corner) to the magnificent height of 5,540 and 5,720 feet respectively, 
marking them as the highest in Virginia. 

The county is thirty-two miles in its greatest length from north 
to the south and twenty- two miles wide from east to west, and contains an 
area of 486 square miles. The surface is mainly hilly, and mountainous in 
parts. The valleys of the north, middle and south forks of the Holstoi) 
river, including Rich Valley on the north side of Walker's mountain 
and Rye Valley on the south side of the county, show all the 
fine features characteristic of the best lands of the valley of Vir- 
ginia. There is a large area of level or river bottom land lying along 
each of these rivers affording alluvial deposits of great depth and fertility, 
and capable of constant cropping without deterioration. The lands are 
mainly in the limestone area and yield largely of the various crops produced 
— corn, wheat, oats, rye, buckwheat, hay and tobacco. Cabbage is a very 
remunerative crop, large quantities of which are produced and shipped from 
the county to southern points and the coal fields every year. Dairy, orchard 
and vegetable products are very considerable and sources of much 
revenue to the farmers. Fish culture should become an important indus- 
try in this county. The streams are well adapted to game fish and are 
very well stocked with different varieties, such as bass, red eye, chub, 
suckers, and some mountain trout. 

The most profitable branch of labor in this county is stock raising and 
grazing. The area of limestone or strictly grass lands probably embrace 
more than half the county. In Rich valley, Saltville and other sections of 
the county, are found thousands of acres of blue-grass of indigeonus growth 
equalling in every respect the far-famed blue grass lands of Kentucky; and 
as a consequence large numbers of fine cattle are annually raised and ex- 
ported. Much attention is paid to the grade of cattle, and this county 
can boast of having the largest herd of short horn cattle in the State, 
and is also noted for its fine horses and sheep. 

Transportation facilities are ample, with the Norfolk and Western 
railroad passing through the center of the county from east to west, bring- 
ing the county into communication with the eastern Seaboard, and the 
western and southern lines of railway. Its Saltville branch connecting at 
Glade Spring, Washington county, leads back into this county and will ulti- 
mately be extended. A new line of railroad, connecting with the N. & W. 
at Marion, has been built into the Rye valley to reach the valuable timber 
and mineral of that section. 



216 

This county possesses unusual importance on account of its great mineral 
wealth, the principal source of which is the immense deposits of salt and 
plaster at Saltville and vicinity. The latter is also developed and being 
mined in other sections of the county. These salt and plaster deposits are 
considered to be the most extensive and valuable to be found in the United 
States, immense quantities of each having been mined and manufactured 
for many years, bringing into the county a large annual revenue. There 
is also a large alkali plant at Saltville devoted to the manu- 
facture of alkali soda ash bleaching powder, etc., erected at j a 
cost of $3,000,000 and employing a large amount of labor. Besides 
her rich deposits of salt and plaster, she has within her borders valuable 
deposits of iron ore of the different species (brown, red, hematite, magnetite, 
and iron, pyrates ) , lead, zinc, barytes, manganese, marble, kaolin, in brick, 
clay, limestone and onyx stone. A full description of these minerals would 
require more than the allotted space for this subject. Some very fine tim- 
ber is still to be found, especially in the mountain sections, consisting of 
walnut, poplar, ash, oak, pine, hickory, hemlock and maple. 

The county is watered almost wholly by the different branches of Holston 
river (the north, middle and south forks), the two latter having their 
sources in the county, and all flowing southwestwardly toward Tennessee. 
In Rye valley, this county, are some of the head waters of Cripple creek, 
which flows eastwardly to New river. These streams, especially the Hol- 
ston waters and their tributaries, afford extensive water power. 

Besides the extensive alkali and salt works at Saltville, there are other 
important manufactories in the cour.ty, such as iron furnaces and forges, 
woolen mills, tanneries, brick works, and the requisite number of good grist 
and saw mills. In the three important elements and attractions to any 
county — climate, health and water — it will not be amiss to say that this 
county equals any in the State. Churches representing the different reli- 
gious denominations are very numerous, and the public school system is 
kept up to a high state of proficiency. Telephone service reaches nearly all 
sections, and mail facilities are extensive and all that could be desired. 
In all material, social, and other respects this may justly rank among the 
first of the counties of the southwest, or of the State, and very few sec- 
tions of the United States deserve more favorable mention. Its increase in 
population shows that it is being appreciated. 

Population, census of 1900, 17,121. Increase since census of 1890, 3,761. 

Marion, the county seat, is a thriving handsome town of considerable 
business importance near the center of the county, on the middle fork of 
Holston river, 275 miles southwest by rail from Richmond, on the line of 
the Norfolk & Western railroad and at the terminus of the Marion and Rye 
Valley railroad. It has a population (census of 1900) of 2,045, which is 
an increase since last census of 394. Its streets are lighted and mac- 
adamized. It has an excellent water supply, wood and other factories, a 
fine flouring mill, good hotels, and churches, stores, newspapers, fraternal 
orders, female college, graded public school, and is the site of the South- 
western Lunatic Asylum. Much improvement is shown in the erection 
and repair of buildings; and the quarries, ore mines, and other Avorks in 
and near the town have been very active and prosperous. A very handsome 
and complete brick courthouse with stone trimmings has just been com- 
pleted at the cost of $50,000, and a large new furniture factory also has 
been finished and put in operation during the last year. A very important 
and extensive new enterprise in Smyth is that of the Spruce Pine Lumber 
Company. They purchased a large tract of 30,000 acres of Virgin spruce 
lying in Smyth and Grayson and acquired the new Rye Valley railroad 
extending about 30 miles into this region, where it is stated there is suffi- 
cient supply to last their extensive mills 20 years. These steam sawmills 



217 

are located near Marion, and are turning out daily an immense quantity 
of lumber from the supply of timber brought over their own road. 

Saltville is an exceedingly attractive toAvn beautifully situated in a lovely 
vale, and is the center of an immense trade growing out of its alkali works, 
salt manufacturing, plaster mining, etc. It has a good hotel, tasteful 
church, handsome residences, stores, and numerous factories, with their ap- 
purtenances. Holston Mills and Chilhowie are also towns of considerable 
size and business. At the latter is situated the large flouring mills and 
the Virginia Vitrified Brick and ,Sewer Pipe Company, which ship its 
products of hard paving brick and pipe extensively in this State and be- 
yond its borders. A new lumber sawing plant of importance has recently 
been established at Adkins, on the N. & W. railroad. 



SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY. • 

Southampton was formed in 1784 from Isle of Wight. It lies in the 
southeastern portion of the State, 50 miles from Richmond and bordering 
the State of North Carolina en the south. It contains an area of 600 
square miles. 

The surface is level, soil a medium light and sandy loam 
with clay subsoil, considerably Avorn, though naturally very productive, es-' 
pecially the broad and fertile lowlands on the streams. 

Farm products are cotton, com, rye, oats, tobacco, potatoes, and peanuts. 
Southampton ranks all the other counties of the State in the production of 
cotton, raising over 5,000 bales annually. Cotton gins are conveniently 
located in different parts of the county. Cotton and peanuts may be con- 
sidered the most profitable products of the county, though large revenue is 
derived from other sources, notably trucks and fruits. Some of the largest 
apple orchards in the State are found here, and other fruits, such as pears, 
peaches, grapes, plums, cherries, and berries of all kinds, are grown abun- 
dantly; also cranberries grow to great perfection on the alluvial bottoms. 
The soil and climate are admirably adapted to the raising of vegetables; 
and melons of the finest quality and flavor are produced. Sweet and Irish 
potatoes, and peas of every variety grow to great perfection and abund- 
ance. Many of the farmers are turning their attention to the cultivation 
of the grasses which have been found to grow luxuriantly. 

Cattle do well, requiring little feed and attention during the 
winter months. Hogs are raised in large numbers, and the sheep 
husbandry could be made a profitable enterprise with proper care and atten- 
tion on the fine grazing lands in some sections of the county. The streams 
abound in fish of the choicest variety, such as white shad, chub, round fish, 
perch, etc., which are caught in large quantities in seines and nets. 

Transportation facilities are amply afforded by the Norfolk 
and Western, Southern, and South Atlantic lines of railway, 
traversing the different sections of the county; also by water navigation 
to some extent on Blackwater river. These render the markets easily ac- 
cessible to all sections. 

Timber, such as oak, pine, walnut, chestnut, cypress, h'ekcry, persimmon, 
ash, poplar, gum, sycamore, maple, etc., abounds in considerable quantity 
and variety, much of which is converted into lumber by the numerous 
saAvmills in operation. Some grain mills are also located in the county. 
Blackwater river on the eastern border, Meherrin river on the western, and 
Nottoway river flowing through the central portion, with numerous tribu- 
tary streams, plentifully water every section, and furnish excellent drain- 
age and abundant water power for mills and manufacturing purposes. The 



219 

climate is salubrious, health good, and pure water unsurpassed, furnished 
by artesian wells. Every community has its churches. Excellent educa- 
tional advantages are afforded by public and high grade schools. Telephone 
service and mail facilities are ample. Financial conditions are prosper- 
ous, and in progress and general advancement there is a manifest de- 
gree of prosperity, the last assessment of personal property showing consid- 
arable increase; and all things considered this ranks as among the most 
thriving counties of this prosperous section of the State. 

Population, census of 1900, 22,848. Increase since census of 1890, 2,770. 

Courtland, the county seat, located in the central portion of the county 
on the Atlantic & Danville railroad, and Nottoway river, has a population 
of 288. The streets are graded and lighted, and an excellent water sup- 
ply furnished from artesian wells. Besides the county buildings there are 
several hotels, churches and fraternal orders, numerous business houses, 
a graded public school and factory. 

Other towns in the county are Franklin, Boykins, Ivor, Drewerysville, 
and Capron. 

Franklin is the largest town in the county and quite an important point, 
having a population (census of 1900) of 1,143, which is an increase since 
last census of 268. It is located at the head of navigation on Blackwater 
river, through which it has communication and a lucrative trade by good 
river steamboat transportation with Eastern North Carolina, also the 
Seaboard and Roanoke, and the Atlantic & Danville railroads. They con- 
nect it with Portsmouth and Norfolk. It has two large peanut-cleaning 
plants, a large lumber mill, good banking facilities, church and school ad- 
vantages, and is making substantial progress. 

Boykins has witnessed unusual activity in the past year or so in the 
erection of a new gin hotise — a large house for storage of peanuts — 
numerous dwelling houses and stores, and others in process of erection; also 
the shipment of peanuts has been unusually large. 

Ivor is a thriving village on the N. & W. R. R. and has a fine trade, large 
quantities of peanuts being shipped from this point. 

Near Drewerysville is a peanut-cleaning factory, and several cotton-gin- 
ning plants. 

Capron is situated in a large vegetable raising section. 



SPOTTSYLVANIA COUNTY. 

Spotsylvania county was formed in 1720 from Essex, King Wiifiam and 
King and Queen, and it situated about 45 miles (almost due north) from 
Richmond. It is 25 miles long from north to south, and 17 miles wide from 
east to west, and contains an area of 401 square miles (about one-half culti 
vated ) . 

The surface is rolling and the soil productive and varied in kind and 
quality, the uplands being a stiff clay, while that of the bottoms and valleys 
is a sandy loam, the latter producing fine crops of corn, and other products. 
Other products are wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, hay and tobacco. Fruits of 
all kinds, especially apples, pears, and grapes, do well; also vegetables, and 
large quantities of both are sold in the Fredericksburg and other markets. 
Dairying and poultry raising have largely increased and are a source of 
considerable revenue to the farmers in connection with general farming. 
Fish are abundant, and on the rivers are found the choicest of tidewater 
fowls, and in the marshes sora, woodcock, etc. Considerable attention is 
given to improved breeds of horses, sheep, and cattle, of which there are 
several fine herds of the latter in the county. 



221 

Transportation facilities are excellent. Besides water transportation, 
this county has two railway lines — the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Poto- 
mac railroad which passes through the northeast portion, and the Po- 
tomac, Fredericksburg and Piedmont (narrow gauge) exteading through 
the northern part from Fredericksburg to Orange Court House, a distance 
of 40 miles, connecting at the latter point with the Southern railway which 
brings large additional traffic to the county, and its principal town, 
Fredericksburg. 

Minerals are gold, iron, pyrites, granite and sandstone, most of which have 
been developed and are being successfully mined and worked. The most 
valuable timbers are oak, pine, poplar, and hickory, but are limited in 
quantity, having been culled out to a considerable extent. 

The county is watered by the Rappahannock river on the northern, 
the North Anna on the southern border, and the numerous tributaries of 
these rivers and the Mattapony in the interior. The climate is mild and 
heathful, water good, churches and public schools ample for demand, and 
mail facilities convenient to all sections of the county. 

Population, census of 1900, 9,239. Number of males 21 years and over, 
2,137. 

Spottsylvania, the county seat, is situated about the center of the county, 
©n the Po river, about ten miles from the Potomac, Fredericksburg & Pied- 
mont railroad. It is a small inland country village and contains the county 
buildings, several churches and a public school. The nearest market is 
Fredericksburg, the chief town of the county. 



STAFFORD COUNTY. 

Stafford was formed from Westmoreland in 1765, and lies between the 
Potomac and Rappahannock rivers in the northeastern portion of the State, 
60 miles north from Richmond. It contains an area of 285 square miles, 
60 per cent, of which is in cultivation. 

The surface is generally rolling ; soil a sandy loam, naturally good, and 
with proper treatment capable of great improvement. Farm products are 
wheat, corn, rye and oats, of which good crops are produced ; also the grasses 
(clover and orchard grass) are successfully grown. The most profitable 
industries of the county are its fruit, vegetable and poultry products, which 
are extensive, and find ready sale in the near by Washington and Fred- 
ericksburg markets. The pickling industry is especially important, employ- 
ing from 1,000 to 1,500 hands, principally boys and girls, and bringing into 
the county annually from $20,000 to $25,000. 

Large fisheries on the Potomac and tributaries afford profitable employ- 
ment to labor and an important article of food supply to the people. 
Grazing facilities are fairly good, especially for sheep, and the rearing 
of early lambs for the Washington and Baltimore markets is a source of 
considerable revenue to the farmers. In addition to excellent water trans- 
portation facilities by the Potomac and its tributaries, the Richmond, 
Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad traverses the county north ar.d south, 
affording choice of markets and convenient access to same. 

Minerals are gold, iron, mica and sandstone, but not operated to any 
extent. The White House at Washington was built of white sandstone from 
Aquia creek. Timbers are oak, hickory, pine, poplar, chestnut, walnut, 
elm, ash, etc., which bring considerable revenue to the county as lumber, 
railroad ties, and poplar w r ood pulp for paper. 

The Potomac on the eastern and the Rappahanock river on the southern 
border, with the numerous creeks emptying into these rivers, and pene- 
trating the interior, afford ample drainage and water supply and also 



223 

excellent power for mills and manufactories. Flour and saw mills are 
numerous, also shingle mills, and several pickling establishments. The 
climate is mild and heathful ; water good, embracing some mineral ( alum 
and sulphur ) . Religious and educational advantages are ample, and con- 
siderable progress is shown in improved condition of buildings and lands, 
better farm stocks and increased production of crops of all kinds per acre. 

With a people kind and hospitable, climate genial and healthful, cheap 
lands, facilities for easy and pleasant living and convenient access to 
market, it would seem that this is a section presenting many attractions 
for the intending immigrant and home-seeker. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 8,097. Increase since census of 
1890, "735. Number of males 21 years and over, 1,969. 

Stafford Courthouse, the county seat, is located in the eastern portion 
of the county, about four miles from the Richmond, Fredericksburg and 
Potomac railroad. It is a small inland country village of about 50 inhabit- 
ants, church and county buildings. The nearest market is Fredericksburg, 
which is in Spottsylvania on the opposite bank of the Rappahannock river. 



SURRY COUNTY. 

This is one of the oldest counties in the State, having been formed from 
James City county in 1652. It lies on the south side of James river 35 
miles southeast from Richmond. It contains an area of 292 square mile?. 
Average price improved farm lands $8 per acre. 

The surface is generally level and soil light and sa-^dy. Principal pro 
ducts are corn, wheat, oats, and peanuts, especially the latter, large 
quantities of which are produced ; and so well is the soil adapted to their 
growth that the lands on that account have very materially increased in 
value. Fruits of all kinds are cultivated with success, and there aire 
some fine orchards, especially on James river. 

This county is well supplied with railroad facilities, having the Atlantic 
and Danville passing up from the south near the center of the county to 
Claremont on the northwest border; the Surry, Sussex and Southhampton 
railway, from its connection with the Norfolk and Western railway at 
Wakefield on the southern border through the county to its water terminus 
on James river; the Norfolk and Western along its southwestern border, 
and eleven miles of the Surry Lumber Company's narrow-gauge road con- 
necting with the Atlantic and Danville railroad at Spring Grove. James 
river also affords extensive shipping facilities, daily steamers of various 
lines touching at its numerous wharves. 

Marl exists in great abundance, is very accessible, and it is utilized to 
some extent as a fertilizer. About two-thirds of the county is in timber, 
principally, pine, oak, hickory, poplar, beech, walnut, cypress, holly, and 
the gums, much of which is converted into lumber and fire wood, for north- 
ern markets. 

Water and drainage is supplied by James river on the north, Black- 
water on the south and their numerous tributary creeks. There are a large 
number of sawmills in the county, some of which are of very large capacity. 
The climate, health and water are all that could be desired. Churches and 
schools are numerous and convenient, and mail facilities ample. Con- 
ditions in the county are very favorable. Farm lands are being improved, 
business is active, and altogether this section will compare favorably with 
other portions of the State. 

Population, census of 1900. 8.469. Increase since census of 1890, 213. 
Number of males 21 years and over, 2,178. 
( 



224. 

Surry, the county seat, is located in the northeastern part of tha 
county on the Surry, Sussex and Southampton railway, five miles from 
James river, and 55 miles southeast from Richmond, and has a population 
of about 150. 

Claremont, in the rorthwest portion of the county, on James river, 
and the eastern terminus of the Atlantic & Danville railroad, is a new 
and rapidly growing town of 565 population, which is an increase of 376 
since last census. It has several good hotels, churches and school houses, 
newspaper, and numerous business houses, money-order office, several lines 
of steamboats, daily trains and daily mails. 



SUSSEX COUNTY. 

This county, formed from Surry in 1754, is located in the southeast part 
of the State, 35 miles from Richmond. It contains an area of 490 square 
miles — 313,600 acres, 930 farms; average size farms 225 acres. Lands 
are very cheap, ranging in price from $2 to $20 per acre. Average price 
improved farm lands $5 per acre; average assessed value, $3.75 per acre. 

The surface is slightly rolling. Soil, light gray loam and very productive 
on the streams. Farm products are cotton, corn, wheat, oats, tobacco 
and peanuts. Pears, grapes, and small fruits do well, and trucking is 
engaged in to a considerable extent. The grasses do well and much of the 
county is admirably adapted to sheep raising, Avhich is profitable in the 
sale of wool and early spring lambs. 

Railroad and market facilities are excellent, furnished by the Norfolk and 
Western, Petersburg and Weldon, and Atlantic and Danville railways, 
which traverse the northeast, southwest and southeastern portions 
respectively. 

Marl is abundant, and is used to good effect. 

Pine is the principal timber, considerable quantities of which are con- 
verted into lumber. Blackwater river on the northeast border, and Notto- 
way river in the central portion and their branches, furnish sufficient water 
supply and drainage. Climate mild, health and water good. Schools and 
churches of the different denominations numerous and convenient. 

Population, census of 1900, 12,082. Increase since census of 1890, 982. 
Number of males 21 years and over, 2,749. 

Sussex, the county seat, a small inland village, is situated near the 
center of the county, two miles from the Atlantic & Danville railroad, and 
about 45 miles from Richmond. 

Other towns are Wakefield and Waverly. The latter is a growing busi- 
ness town of 493 inhabitants, and near it is the Copperhonk Springs, a 
medicinal water of considerable reputation and efficacy. The Bank of 
Waverly, at the above-named place, and the bank Sussex and Surry, at 
Wakefield, provides the financial conveniences and security needed at these 
business centers of the county. 



TAZEWELL COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Russell and Wythe in 1799, and is situated 
in the southwestern portion of the State, about 325 miles southwest from 
Richmond. It is 40 miles in length with an average width of about 18 
miles, and contains an area of 557 square miles (about one-half being under 
cultivation ) . 

Much of the surface is mountainous, and lying between are many 
extensive and very fertile valleys. The soil is principally limestone. 



225 

and very productive, and a striking peculiarity of this county is that the 
lands are generally fertile to the tops of the mountains, and don't wash. 
The lands are well adapted to the production of the various grains — corn, 
wheat, rye, oats, etc. — and the cultivated grasses, clover, timothy, orchard 
and herd's grass. But while bountiful crops of grain and grass can be pro- 
duced, the farmers prefer to preserve their fine blue grass sod and engage 
in the much less expensive and much more congenial and profitable occu- 
pation of grazing cattle, which is the leading industry of the county. 
Large numbers of cattle (unsurpassed in quality) are annually sold from 
this county, a large proportion of them for export purposes; also quantities 
of sheep of the finest grade, and no section of the State is better supplied 
with fine draught and saddle horses. 

Tazewell has perhaps the largest grazing capacity of any of the south- 
west Virginia counties. With the exception of a part of the coal belt, per- 
haps three-fourths of its area is well adapted to agricultural and grazing 
purposes, and within that area there is a wealth of blue grass lands, which 
are the admiration of all who see them. Even the lofty ridges and moun- 
tains to their summits are covered with a luxuriant growth of blue grass 
which is indigenous. Another very important advantage, fitting it for graz- 
ing purposes, is that it is exceptionally well watered. 

Considerable attention is being paid to fruit culture, to which the county 
is well adapted. The dairy, vegetable and poultry products find a ready 
and remunerative market at the near by coal mines. Game is abundant, 
and the streams, being well supplied with bass and other fish, furnish ex- 
cellent sport. 

Railroad facilities consist of the New River division of the Norfolk & 
Western railroad, which extends through the northwestern limits of the 
county, and the Clinch Valley division of the Norfolk and Western, which 
traverses its whole length from northeast to southwest. These railroads 
have put the county in direct communication with all sections of the 
country, north, east, south and west, and have given great impetus to the 
agricultural and mineral resources of the county. 

Tazewell is especially rich in minerals, both in variety and extent, the 
principal of which are coal, iron ores (brown and red), manganese, lead, 
zinc, barytes, salt, gypsum, building stone, soapstone and marble. The 
leading minerals are coal and iron, especially the former, which exists in 
vast quantities, and has already earned a reputation at home and abroad 
for steam and coking purposes. Immense quantities of coal and coke 
are shipped from this county to all sections of the country — especially of 
coal to Norfolk city — for the coaling of ocean steamers. The superiority 
of the coke is acknowledged now by all iron makers, and it is in much 
demand. The great Flat Top mountain range, from which this coal is 
obtained, forms the northwestern border of the county, and is part of the 
dividing line between Virginia and West Virginia. Pocahontas, the magic 
little city that has sprung up in the midst of these mines, is a place of large 
business and enterprise, situated on the New river division of the Nor- 
folk and Western railroad. The mines consist of a group of five, known as 
the East Mines No. 1 and 2, Silver Ridge Mine, Baby Mine and West Mine. 
The workings of this group of mines embrace an area of about 2,000 acres, 
while the total acreage of the company's property is about 8,500 acres. The 
mines of this company are the largest and oldest and most extensively 
worked in the entire Flat Top field, having been opened in 1882. The coal 
is of a semi-bituminous character and very easy to work. The seam is about 
10 feet thick, and in some portions 18 to 19 feet in thickness. Some of the 
mines are equipped with electric haulage, coal-cutting machines, and electric 
pumps. In others, the hauling is done by steam locomotives and mules. 
Exhaust fans are used in all of them. To admit of a more extensive use 

15 



227 

of electricity throughout the plant, a stone power house with a capacity of 
1,500 horse power has been erected. The coke larries and tipple are 
operated by electricity, and the towns of Pocahontas, Va., and Coopers and 
Bramwell, W. Va., are lighted from this plant. 

Another extensive coal industry about three-quarters of a mile from this 
place and one of the richest in the Flat Top coal field is what is known as 
the Browning Mines, owned and operated by Col. J. W. Browning, and 
is the only individual mining operation in this field. This mining pro- 
perty consist of from 600 to S00 acres of coal lands, extending up Laurel 
creek a distance of about three and one-half miles. The vein of coal now T 
being mined at this point is from 12 to 15 feet in thickness, and of very 
superior quality as a steam coal, having been ordered on several special 
occasions in the trial of Avar vessels. These mines are well furnished 
with all the necessary equipments of mine locomotives, extensive fans for 
supplying fresh air, boilers, and stationary engines for furnishing power, 
etc. The output of these mines is from 250 to 300 tons per day, employ- 
ing about 160 men, and turning out 100,000 tons annually. 

Another very important and interesting industry located at Pocahontas 
is the By-Product Plant owned and operated by the Pocahontas Collieries 
Company. These by-products consist of oil and pitch, the yield of which 
is equivalent to from 2 to 3 gallons per ton of coal distilled or coked 
and worth about five cents per gallon. Another product obtained by 
the same process is commercial ammonia sulphate — known more generally 
as sulphate of ammonia. This product is used principally as a fertilizer, 
and is very largely in demand for such purposes, and a large quantity of it 
is also used to make liquid ammonia for ice making. 

The iron ore deposits of this county are rich and extensive, and their 
proximity to the magnificent coal fields of this section is destined to make 
it the iron-producing c.e -ter of the State, and the county will assuredly 
one day be as noted for mining and manufacturing as it is now for its 
incomparable grass lands. 

The mineral springs of the county are the Tazewell Sulphur Springs, 
situated about five miles from Tazewell, the county seat; and at Mustards, in 
the eastern middle portion of the county, eight fine mineral spring, very clo-e 
together, one apparently an arsenical spring, another a blue sulphur 
while the character of the others has not been determined. These springs 
are regarded as highly curative, and yield a fine supply of water, but 
the most attractive and popular watering place in the county is situated 
at the pretty little village of Cedar Bluff, on the Clinch Valley railroad. 
The spring is what is known as blue sulphur water, located on the bank 
of the Clinch river in a lovely and romantic situation, a" n d near by is the 
Blue Sulphur Inn, with extensive and excellent accommodations. 

Notwithstanding the large amount of timber that has been shipped out of 
the county, there are still considerable quantities and of fine quality, 
the most valuable of which for merchantable purposes are walnut, poplar, 
oak, hickory, ash and other hard woods. 

The whole of this county is well watered. The greater part by Clinch 
river and its tributaries. Bluestone river, East river, and Wolf creek with 
some of its tributaries, have their source in the eastern poi-tion of the 
county. These streams are fed by strong never-failing limestone springs, 
capable of running a grist mill within a few hundred yards of their source. 
The never-failing character of the streams of the county is one of their 
chief recommendations, and in no county of the State, perhaps, is such 
abundance and excellence of water power so little used. The manufactories 
of the county are several woolen mills of large capacity; brick works at 



228 

Tip Top with an output of 5,000,000 annually, . and one of the best equipped 
plants in the South ; extensive lime works at North Tazewell ; iron furnace 
and plow and foundry company at Graham; ice plant, broom and mattress 
factory, furniture factory, and numerous grain and saw mills. 

After all that has been said of the altitude, drainage, and splendid water 
of this county, it is scarcely necessary to add that the climate and health 
is par-excellence. 

Tazewell Court House, and the county east and north, look like the 
realization of pastoral perfection. There are a large number of churches 
representing the various Protestant denominations, and in addition to the 
numerous public schools that are in a flourishing condition, there are two 
colleges and five high schools. Mail facilities are excellent, and the princi- 
pal towns and neighborhoods have good telephone connection. The sales 
of large boundaries of coal and timber lands at good prices have brought 
much money here, which, added to that realized from cattle, sheep, wood 
and lumber, has made it very abundant in the county. So there is a 
healthy and steady advance in all lines of business. Tazewell is situated 
in the center of the county, one mile south of North Tazewell station on 
the Clinch Valley railroad, with which it has regular communication by 
horse car and hack lines. It is a large prosperous county town of 1,096 
inhabitants (census of 1900), which is an increase of 492 since last census. 
Its streets are in good condition, graded, paved and lighted, and there are 
good water works. It has a college and other schools of high grade, 
churches of different denominations, handsome business houses, excellent 
hotels and shops of various kinds, also several newspapers, banks and fra- 
ternal orders. 

Other towns are Graham at the junction of the New River and Clinch 
Valley railroads, a growing and important manufacturing and business 
town of 1,554 inhabitants (census of 1900), which is an increase of 533 
since 1890. 

Puchlands, population, census of 1900, 475; North Tazewell, population, 
census of 1900, 320; also Cedar Bluff, Falls Mills, Pounding Mill, Liberty, 
etc. 

Much could be said, but space forbids to speak of the grand country about 
Tazewell, Liberty and Maiden Spring and of the beautiful Bluestone, 
Wrights and Abbs valleys, and Thompson and Woods Caves ; but more than 
a passing notice is due to the far- farmed Burks Garden of this county, 
one of the largest valleys in the county, and noted for its beauty and fer- 
tility. This elevated mountain basin, 3,200 feet above sea level, contains 
about 30,000 acres of the most fertile blue grass lands, and is encircled by 
the Clinch range of mountains (some peaks of which attain an elevation of 
4,700 feet), except at one point on the north side where the waters of this 
singularly beautiful basin break through and form Wolf creek. It is about 
eight miles long from northeast to southwest, and about four and a half 
wide, and looks as though it had once been a mountain lake, the waters of 
which had burst their way through the northern escarpment that restrained 
it, leaving the beautiful trout stream that now pours through the gorge to 
mark its course. Burks Garden is an emerald sea in the springtime, with 
its waving trees and noble pastures, and is doubtless the finest body of land 
of its size in the State. 

Population of the county, census of 1900, 23,384. Increase since census 
of 1890, 3,485. Number of males 21 years and over, 5,474. 



229 

WARREN COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1836 from Frederick and Shenandoah, and is 
situated in the northern part of the State, nearly 100 miles air line north- 
west from Richmond. It lies on the western slope of the Blue Ridge moun- 
tains, which separate it from Rappahannock and Fauquier on the south- 
east, and Frederick on the north, Clark on the northeast, Shenandoah west, 
and Page southwest. It is 20 miles long and 12 miles in width, containing 
an area of 226 square miles. 

The surface is rolling and mountainous in some portions. At out 50 per 
cent, is in cultivation. The soil is limestone and very fertile. Farm pro- 
ducts are wheat, corn, oats, rye, buckwheat, potatoes and the gi'asses. 

The climate and soil is well adapted to the growing of fruits, and much 
care and attention is given to this industry, which is one of the most profit- 
able in the county; grape culture, especially, has been extensively and 
successfully carried on for many years, and utilized in the manufacture of 
much fine wine. One of the oldest and largest vineyards of the south 
is located here. 

Considerable attention is paid to the raising of poultry. 50,000 ducks 
are sold annually from the largest duck farm in the world at River- 
ton. Stock raising rank as one of the most important and profitable indus- 
tries of the county. Large numbers of fat cattle are annually shipped to 
the northern and eastern markets. 

Transportation facilities are ample and convenient, supplied by the Shen- 
andoah Valley branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad traversing the 
center of the county from north to south, and the Manassas branch of the 
Southern railroad crossing it from east to west at Front Royal. 

Minerals of various kinds are found in considerable quantities, the prin- 
cipal of which are iron, copper, ochre, umber, limestone, and manganese. 
There are also numerous mineral springs. The timber consists of walnut, 
hickory, cherry, oak, pine, chestnut and poplar, but it has been cut out 
to considerable extent. 

The south fork of the Shenandoah river passing through the center of the 
county affords an ample water supply, excellent water power, and an 
abundance of good fish. Manufactories and enterprises embrace numerous 
grain and saw mills, several bark mills, a lumber manufactoring company, 
and a handle and bolt factory, several woolen mills, a sumac mill, and the 
Carson Lime Company, one of the largest plants of the kind in the South. 
As to climate, health and water, the conditions are all that could be desired. 
Public schools are excellent and numerous, and churches of the various 
denominations convenient to all sections. Good turnpikes and country 
roads assist, and all that is needed is capital to develop resources and 
improve the waste places. This is truly a highly favored and most desira- 
ble section of the State, having all the accessories to prosperity and the 
happiness of its people. 

Population, census of 1900, 8,837. Increase since census of 1890, 557. 
Number of males 21 years and over, 2,089. 

Front Royal, the county seat, is located at the junction of the Shenan- 
doah division of the Norfolk & Western, and the Manassas branch of the 
Southern railroad, and has a population of 1,005 (census of 1900). It is 
one of the most prosperous and attractive towns in the valley of the Shen- 
andoah, and is noted for the hospitality and refinement of its people. Situ- 
ated in the heart of one of the finest farming sections of the State, its com- 
mercial and manufacturing interests are varied and considerable. It has 
factories for making handles, collars, cigars, tacks, furniture, knit goods, 
and pianos ; also several large hotels, numerous business houses, educational 
institutions, public schools, newspapers, banks, churches, and fraternal 



231 

orders. It has macadamized streets, brick sidewalks and a good system 
of water works and electric lights. Educational institutions include 
Randolph-Macon Academy, under the supervision of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church South — a school of fine standing, elegant buildings, and com- 
petent faculty — a nourishing female institute ad a large high school build- 
ing. Two large flouring mills are located at Front Royal, capacity from 150 
to 200 barrels daily, and an iron mining company has recently opened mines 
near town and is shipping carloads of ore daily. 



WARWICK COUNTY. 

Warwick, though now a small county in area and one of the smallest in 
the State in population, was one of the original shires into which the 
State was divided in 1634, and was named for the town of Warwick in 
England. It lies in a narrow strip along the northern shores of the James 
river e trance into the Chesapeake bay, and contains an area of 85 square 
miles. 

The surface is level, soil a sandy loam, fairly productive and easily culti- 
vated and improved. The most profitable products are wheat, corn, oats, 
potatoes, etc., the average yield of which is very good. Trucking, market 
gardening, and poultry raising are growing in importance and value. 
Fish, oysters and wild fowl are abundant, the trade in which constitutes 
a very important feature of the business of the county. 

Railroads are the Chesapeake and Ohio, and the Newport News, Hampton 
and Old Point railways, the former traversing the county from northwest to 
southeast, and having its southeastern terminus at Newport News. 

Marl, the only mineral, is found in large quantities and of excellent qual- 
ity. The timber supply is rather limited. Principal varieties are oak, 
pine, ash and gum, much of which is worked by the sawmills in operation in 
the county. The James and Warwick rivers afford ample drainage and 
excellent transportation facilities. Market advantages are excellent, the 
cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News and Hampton furnishing 
superior facilities in this respect. The climate is mild ; health and water 
good. Churches are numerous, and the public schools in a flourishing con- 
dition. Telephone service and mail facilities are ample, and in progress and 
general advancement there has been great improvement in the county since 
the extension of the Chesapeake arid Ohio railway to Newport News in the 
southeast portion of the county. 

Population of the county (independent of the city of Newport News), 
census of 1900, 4.888. The difference between the last two census re- 
ports is due to the fact 1hat nearly 2,000 people Avere included in )th,e 
city of Newport News, which before 1900 had been listed in Warwick 
county. 

The wild animals of the county are deer, fox, raccoon, squirrel and 
hare. The winter fowls of that region abound, besides which there are 
such game birds as wild turkeys, partridges, woodcock and sora, and the 
large proportion of water front creeks and inlets make the little county 
exceedingly popular with sportsmen and fishermen. 



WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

This county, formed January 28, 1776, from Fincastle, is situated in the 
southwestern portion of the State — 350 miles by rail, 240 air line from 
Richmond. It is one of the largest counties in the southwest, containing 
an area of 605 square miles. 



232 

The surface is generally undulating, and mountainous in parts, especially 
on the northern and southern borders, though least mountainous of any of 
the southwest counties. Its valleys are broad and present a beautiful 
picture in the alternation of hill and dale, of woodland and pasture. 
Soil varies in character and quality, but all lie upon a stratum of 
yellow or red clay, very fertile and productive and wears well. The grey 
or gravelly soil is adapted to wheat, rye and tobacco, and the dark alluvial 
soil to corn and grass. The principal and most profitable farm products 
are wheat, corn, rye, oats, hay, and tobacco-, of which abundant crops are 
annually produced, though the tobacco production has fallen off from 2,- 
000,000 pounds in 1889 to 776,000 in 1899. This is a superior grass-pro- 
ducing section, especially of clover, timothy and orchard grass, that yields 
largely, and much of which is grown. Tobacco is not as profitably grown as 
formerly. Fruits of the various kinds, such as apples, pears, peaches, 
plums, grapes, etc., grow to perfection and yield abundantly. Considerable 
revenue is derived from the poultry and egg product, which have a fine local 
market. The county abounding to a large extent in the spontaneous growth 
of blue grass, stock raising is the chosen and most profitable occupation of 
a large number of the most enterprising farmers of the county. 

Transportation facilities are excellent, emDracing the Norfolk & Western 
railroad, which traverses the county centrally from northeast to south- 
west, and has its western terminus at Bristol, this county. The Vir- 
ginia and Southwestern railroad extends from Bristol northwest to Big 
Stone Gap, reaching the vast beds of coal and iron of that section. The 
Virginia and Carolina railroad starts from Abingdon and extends south 
to the Tennessee line and opens up the immense timber and mineral re- 
sources of that section. There is also a branch of the N. & W. from Glade 
Spring to Saltville, near the Smyth county line. Iron and marble are 
found in this county in various localities, mainly on its southern border; 
but its principal wealth consists in its great deposits of salt and plaster, 
owing to the value of the salt wells in the Saltville basin, the dividing line 
between Washington and Smyth counties. When this latter county was 
formed in part out of the former, this basin was made the dividing line 
between them, so as to throw equal values of this great wealth into each of 
the counties, and it would be difficult to estimate the approximate quantity 
of the Saltville deposit assignable to Washington county; but it may be 
confidently asserted that it has inexhaustible deposits of both salt and 
plaster close to the Washington-Smyth line, and dividing as it does with 
Smyth this valuable territory, a more specific description will suffice for 
both, which will be found in report of Smyth county. Mineral springs are 
numerous and valuable, embracing chalybeate, alum, magnesia and sulphur 
waters, the most noted of which are the Seven Springs on the Saltville 
branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad, at which is made the famous 
"Seven Springs Iron and Alum Mass," of great efficacy in many forms of 
disease. Mungel's Springs, situated nine miles northwest of Abingdon has 
a high local reputation for curative virtues, and with proper accommodations 
for visitors should command a good patronage. Washington Springs are 
situated one and one-half miles from Glade Springs in a lovely and health- 
ful spot amid the mountains, and are regarded as having valuable medicinal 
and curative properties. There are four distinct varieties of the water, 
the most effective being the Alum, Chalybeate, and the White Sulphur 
Springs. 

There are large bodies of well timbered lands, as yet undeveloped, the 
principal and valuable varieties of which are oak, pine, poplar, walnut, 
hickory, ash, chestnut and cherry. The county is finely watered by the 
north, south and middle forks of Holston river, and numerous tributaries 



233 

passing through its most fertile portions, and affording a quantity and 
variety of excellent fresh water fish, besides offering facilities for water 
power possessed by but few counties in the State. 

Industries and manufactories consist of sash, door and blind factories, 
woolen mills, flouring and saw mills, extract plant, plaster works, soda ash 
and bleaching-powder works, and others that will appear in the Smyth 
statement. The climate is temperate, and pure spring water plentiful. 
All the Protestant denominations are represented in the county and have 
good church buildings in every community. This county is celebrated for 
its superior educational advantages, on account of its institutions of learn- 
ing of a high order and wide reputation • — =its public school system in a 
flourishing condition and numerous high schools throughout the county. 
Telephone service is K.eclleiit, the Bristol Telephone Company's lines con- 
necting almost all parts of the county. Mail facilities are good with post 
offices in every community, and rural free delivery service. The financial 
condition of the county is possibly as good as any section of the State, 
and progress and general advancement (in recent years) have been botl] 
rapid and permanent. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 28,995. Increase (city of Bristol 
included) since census of 1890, 4,554. Number of males 21 years and over, 
City of Bristol included, 7,853. 

Abingdon, the county seat, is beautifully situated near the center of the 
county on the Norfolk and Western railroad 190 miles southwest from 
Lynchburg and 15 miles northeast from Bristol, and has a population, 
census of 1900, of 1,306. It is one of the oldest towns west of the Blue 
Ridge, certainly the oldest town of southwest Virginia. In "Ye Olden 
Time" it was really the capital of southwest Virginia, and was the great 
highway of the stage coach between the great Tennessee and Virginia 
valleys, and many noted celebrities would pause here on their way to 
Washington and rest and refresh themselves in its then celebrated hostel- 
ries; but in 1860 came the railroad and with it the telegraph and express, 
and the old stage horn was relegated to the past and a new order of things 
ushered in. Abingdon is now a town of public buildings and schools, 
with two fine female colleges (Martha Washington College and Stonewall 
Jackson Institute, controlled respectively by the Methodist and Presby- 
terian denominations) with beautiful grounds and buildings handsomely 
situated, which add much to the importance and attractiveness of the 
place. Besides the county courthouse there is a spacious United States court 
building in which is held the district court of the Federal government 
for the Western District of Virginia, of which Abingdon is nearly the geo- 
graphical center. Here are also nice churches of the different denomina- 
tions, a male academy and other good schools, several newspapers, banks 
and fraternal orders, factories of different kinds, repair and smith shops, 
excellent hotels and livery stables, numerous mercantile establishments, 
electric lights, water works, and macadam streets. Abingdon is a town of 
considerable business importance, commanding a large trade not only from 
the county of Washington, but from surrounding counties in Virginia, 
Tennessee and North Carolina. The Virginia and Georgia railway starting 
at Abingdon and extending 26 miles southward into the primeval forests 
of Tennessee is a comparatively new enterprise, and is forging to the busi- 
ness front in a manner scarcely expected by its promoters. At Crandell, 
its present terminus, there is an immense lumber plant. There are also 
other industries in the same section such as steam tanneries, extract plant, 
etc. Damascus/ a new and growing town is situated in that vicinity and on 
the railroad. The culture and refinement of its people and splendid cli- 
mate render Abingdon a most delightful residence town, ard these advan- 
tages are being appreciated, as phcwr. by the number of new residences 
recently erected, adding much to the attractiveness of the place. 



234 

There are several ether good towns and villages, viz: Saltville, at the 
terminus of a nine mile branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad, the 
site of the great salt works, an account of which has been previously given, 
with a population of 1,051 (census of 1900) ; Emory, situated 12 miles east 
of Abingdon, on the Norfolk & Western railroad, an interesting point as 
being the site of Emory and Henry College, established in 1837, now under 
the patronage of the Holston Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
South. It lias had quite a successful history in the past, having been the 
"Alma Mater" of some of the most distinguished men of this country, and 
with its fine facilities for education, excellent faculty, convenient location, 
commodious buildings and great natural beauty and healthfulness, it de- 
serves and will doubtless have a long and growing patronage and prosperous 
future; and Glade Sring, a nice little village situated on the Norfolk and 
Western railroad, and the junction of the Saltville branch. It has a popu- 
lation of 304 (census of 1900), and is a place of considerable business. 



WESTMORELAND COUNTY. 

Westmoreland was formed in 1653 from Northumberland, and is situated 
in the northeast portion of the State on the lower Potomac river 55 miles 
northeast from Richmond. Its average length is thirty miles, width ten 
miles. It contains an area of 245 square miles, and a population by last 
census of 9,243, a gain of 844 since 1890. 

The surface is generally level, but hilly in some portions. Soil light 
loam on river bottoms, stiffer clay soil on uplands and easy of cultivation. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, millet, rye, clover, and peas for hay. 
Fotatoes, sweet and Irish, do well, and the raising of clover seed for 
market is a considerable industry. Orchard grass and timothy are suc- 
cessfully grown. Average yield per acre of corn 25 bushels, of wheat 10 
bushels, and of hay cne and a half to two tons. Fruits of the various 
varieties, such as apples, peaches, pears, plums, strawberries, etc., grow 
well, and several canneries are located in the county. The climate and soil 
is especially adapted to the raising of vegetables, and trucking is becoming 
quite an important industry. The numerous creeks and inlets along the 
Potomac boundary abound in the finest of fish, oysters and wild fowl. There 
are large natural oyster beds on these tidal waters, and the species of fish 
obtained embrace trout, rock herring, shad, and perch, which are caught 
by nets, traps and seines. 

Grazing facilities are fairly good, and stock does well, especially sheep, 
which are receiving increased attention and proving quite remunerative. 
That class of stock is being improved by the importation of better breeds. 
There are no railroads in the county, but excellent transportation facilities 
are afforded by steamboats on the Rappahannock and Potomac to Fred- 
ericksburg, Washington, Baltimore and Alexandria markets. Marl is abun- 
dant, also marsh mud and oyster shell lime. There is some ash, poplar, etc., 
but the timber consists chiefly of pine, of which a large amount of cord 
wood and lumber are annually cut and shipped. 

Water and drainage are furnished by the Rappahannock and Potomac 
rivers; and the numerous tributaries of the latter penetrating inland about 
10 or 12 miles, with good water power, are utilized. Besides numerous saw 
and grain mills, the manufactories of the county consist of a number of 
fruit-canning factories, two plants for blasting and crushing marl, and one 
for digging and grinding infusorial earths. 

The climate is temperate. Health generally good. Water good and 
abundant in the uplands ; not so good on water courses, except where 
artesian is used. Churches numerous — principally Baptist, Methodist and 



235 

Episcopal. There are also a large number of public schools. Telephone 
service from Fredericksburg to every important point in county. Financial 
conditions excellent, and considerable progress shown in improved build- 
ings. 

This is one of the oldest settled counties in the State and in colonial 
days was the home of wealth and influence, the immigrants to the county 
from England comprising many of the rich and aristocratic families of the 
old country. There are many valuable and highly important estates in 
the county, and by the more modern and improved system of agriculture 
which has been adopted the past few years, the waste lands are being re- 
claimed and the farming interests generally improved. This county enjoys 
the proud distinction of having bee.i the birthplace of two of the Presi- 
dents of the United States — George Washington and James Monroe — be- 
sides another no less honored and distinguished Virginian, Gen. R. E. Lee. 
Montross, the county seat, with a population of about 150, is an ancient 
town of some importance, located near the southern border, six miles dis- 
tant from landings on both Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, with which 
there is daily mail communication. There has recently been erected a 
handsome new court house and clerk's office. 



WISE COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1856 from Russell, Lee and Scott, and named 
in honor of Hemy A. Wise, the then governor. It is situated in the great 
Cumberland range, in the extreme southwestern portion of the State, 3S0 
miles from Richmond, and is bounded on the north by the State of Ken- 
tucky. It contains an area of 413 square miles (under cultivation 25 per 
cent. 

The surface is hilly and mountainous. Soil mostly sandy. 

Farm products are corn, rye, oats, millet, potatoes and sorghum, and the 
lands are also very well adapted to the growing of vegetables and fruits. 
All the products of the farm find a ready and remunerative sale with the 
numerous and extensive mining operations in the county. 

Transportation facilities are very good, embracing the Louisville and 
Nashville, and Norfolk and Western, and Virginia and Southwestern rail- 
roads. The South and Western, and the Virginia and Southeastern are 
important lines now being constructed into the county. There are six 
short independent lines in the county, used principally as feeders for the 
mineral interests of this county, which are various and valuable, and 
destined to make it one of the wealthiest counties in the State. 

The most important minerals are iron ores, and coal (bituminous, splint 
and cannel). Limestone and sandstone for building and other purposes are 
of very superior quality, and abundant, the latter being very cheaply 
quarried, and made ready for use in any desired shape or size. Iron is 
found in large deposits, especially in the neighborhood of Big Stone Gap in 
the southwest portion of the county. Here, in close proximity to each other, 
are the iron ore, limestone and coal, and few localities are more favorably 
situated for the manufacture of iron. Since the construction of convenient 
transportation facilities, these ores are being largely developed and mined, 
and extensively worked by the furnaces here in operation. But its great 
wealth consists in its immense deposits of coal, having the greatest amount 
of valuable bituminous and cannel coal to be found in any county of the 
State, the industrial value of which can scarcely be overestimated, In fact, 
there are few areas of like size and value in this particular to be found 
in the world. Since the building of railroads through the county, rapid 





IJr^*t. i» 







237 

progress has been made here in the coal and coke industry. From year to 
year new mines are being opened, and coke plants constructed, until this 
county has become a hive of industry, teeming with thousands of laborers; 
and the indications point to the establishment here of some of the largest 
collieries and coke plants in the United States. The coke ovens, now in 
operation in the county, are as follows: At Tom's Creek, 800; Stonega, 
666; Dorchester, 550; Osaka, 300; Inman, 150; Imboden, 300; Blackwood, 
250; Josephine, 80; Essexville, 50; Carbon, 25; Norton, 150; Glamur, 200, 
making a total of 3,521, and other new plants in course of construction. 

Wise is especially noted for its fine forests of valuable timber, such as 
poplar, walnut, cherry, oak, etc., but since it has been opened up to the 
markets by the railroads, and owing to heavy local demand, the supply 
of timber has been largely depleted, though still a considerable quantity 
remains. 

The county is well watered in the northern part by the numer- 
ous streams flowing into Russells fork of Big Sandy river, and in the 
southern and eastern portions by Powells and Guests rivers, and other 
streams tributaries of the Clinch. 

The manufacturing enterprises of note are iron furnaces and foundries, 
grist, saw and planing mills, a silicon brick plant, a large tannery, and an 
extract plant at Big Stone Gap. Climate healthful and invigorating, average 
temperature 55 degrees, rainfall about 54 inches. Water fairly good. County 
well supplied with churches of the various denominations, and the public 
free schools are in an exceedingly prosperous condition, also a model graded 
school at Big Stone Gap and a college at Wise, the county seat. Most of 
the towns are connected by telephone, and mail service with every neigh- 
borhood. The financial condition of the people is highly favorable, and 
great progress and advancement is noted here in recent years as indicated 
by the large increase in population. 

Total population, census of 1900, 19,653. Increase since census of 1890, 
10,308. Number of males 21 years and over, 5,247. 

There are five banks in the county all doing a prosperous business. 

Wise, the county seat, is located near the center of the county, five miles 
from Norton, the junction of the Clinch Valley division of the Norfolk & 
Western R. R., and the Louisville & Nashville railroad. It has a popula- 
tion of about 800. 

The most important town is Big Stone Gap, population, census of 1900, 
1,617. Other towns are East Stone Gap, population, census of 1900, 349; 
Coeburn, population, census of 1900, 295 — now about 500; Norton, popula- 
tion, census of 1900, 654 — now about 1,250; Tacoma, population, census 
of 1900, 247. 

Norton especially, has made very rapid strides within the past four or 
five years. There has been located here two wholesale grocery houses, 
a wholesale hardware house, a branch of the Armour Packing Co.; also 
a branch of the Standard Oil Company, two large hotels, numerous resi- 
dences and business houses. The coal and coke companies have constructed 
large power plants with the latest improved electrical machinery, and the 
Indian Creek & Pound River railroad extending from Norton into the Pound 
Gap country, which is very rich in lumber and coal, has been complete I 
for seven miles. Pound Gap, a widely known place in the Cumberland 
mountains (a depression in the crest of the mountain, whose lowest 
point is nearly 2.300 feet above sea level) being the objective point for all 
railroads leading from this part of Virginia to Kentucky places this county 
in a direct line of all such contemplated railroads, the necessity for which 
will arise and some will most surely be constructed in the near future. 



239 

WYTHE COUNTY. 

This county was fcrmed from Montgomery in 17L0. It is located west of 
the Blue Ridge, in the southwest portion of the State, 270 miles south- 
west from Richmond, in the midst of the great mining and grazing section. 
It contains an area of 474 square miles, one-half being under cultivation. 
.Lands vary much in price as they do in value. 

The surface is varied, alternately mountain and valley. Several 
mountain ranges traverse the county, mainly from northeast to south- 
west, between which lie extensive and very fertile valleys, notably Reed 
creek, Cripple creek, and headwaters of Holston on the west forming an 
elevated plateau of high table land from east to west. These valleys con- 
tain blue grass and farming lands of a high order that are scarcely sur- 
passed in the State. 

The staple crops are corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, millet and 
hay, abundant yields of which are produced. Fruits and vege- 
tables of various kinds are successfully grown, and these industries 
are receiving increased attention every year, and in portions of the county, 
constitute a very important and profitable source of revenue to the farm- 
ers, for which there is always a ready cash market. The raising of cab- 
bage, Irish potatoes, and apples in the western part of the county is be- 
coming quite an industry. These products are mostly shipped to the 
southern markets and bring remunerative prices. Being situated between 
the North and the South gives this section an unusual advantage in dispo- 
sition of her products. The cabbage industry has built up an important 
business center at Rural Retreat, with good hotels, banks, mercantile 
houses, etc., which attracts much attention in the wholesale vegetable 
market. 

The United States Fish Hatchery, three and a half miles west of 
Wytheville, is quite an important enterprise in the county, and is rapidly 
stocking the waters of the State with the best varieties of fish. 

Agriculture is carried to its highest perfection in this county in the de- 
partment of grazing, and in this respect it is scarcely excelled in the State. 
Its cattle, sheep and horse products are immensely remunerative, much of 
the former being exported and commanding the highest prices. Transporta- 
tion facilities are excellent furnished by the Norfolk & Western railroad 
passing through the heart of the county and tie Cripple Creek branch of the 
Norfolk & Western railroad extending into the great mining region of the 
southeastern portion of the county; also a branch of the latter 10 or 12 
miles into a rich mineral section developing the celebrated Cripple Creek 
iron ores. 

This is one of the richest counties in the State in the va- 
riety, quality and extent of its minerals, and in their develop- 
ment the county is making rapid strides toward a position of com- 
mercial importance well calculated to excite the just pride of her citizens. 
Alternating with each other on the south side of the county are wonderful 
veins and deposits of iron ores, manganese ores, and lead and zinc ores 
of extraordinary purity; while in the northern half of the county fine 
magnetic and brown iron ores are abundant. These minerals have been de- 
veloped and found to exist in immense quantities and are being worked on 
a large scale in different sections of the county, the large works affording 
an excellent home market for the products of the farm. There are various 
mineral waters in the county, the principal of which are its many alum- 
chalybeate springs, also the arsenic bremo-lithia springs, which are fast 
coming into favor and are of high medicinal virtue. 




SUMMER APPLES. 



241 

On the north and in the middle section there are still larger boundaries 
of very good timber, such as white and Spanish oak, walnut, cherry, locust, 
hickory, poplar, gum, pine and chestnut. 

The county is well watered by New river, which flows 
through the southeastern portion of the county, and some of its prin- 
cipal tributaries, such as Reed creek in the central and northern portions, 
and Cripple creek in the southwestern part of the county. These streams with 
their many minor tributaries leave but little of the whole area that is 
not thoroughly well watered, and, like all mountain streams of this section, 
are unfailing and afford much excellent water power. 

Manufactories consist principally of iron, zinc and lead furnaces, in which 
it probably leads any other county of the State. These works supply ex- 
tensive home markets besides employing the labor of the county at re- 
munerative wages. In addition to the above there are forges, smelting works, 
rolling mills, wool factories, manufactories of wood; and flour mills, saw 
mills and ordinary grist mills are numerous throughout the county. Owing 
to the altitude of this section, averaging half a mile above sea level, the cli- 
mate resembles that of the Middle States, and may be said to be almost per- 
fect, health unexcelled and water pure as can be found. Churches are nu- 
merous and of all denominations. Educational advantages are excellent, 
consisting of colleges, high schools, and numerous public schools. Telephone 
service in all parts of the county, and mail facilities excellent. The county 
is in splendid financial condition and growing rapidly in wealth, importance 
and population. The latter as shown by census of 1900 is: 

Total population, 20,437. Increase since census of 1890, 2,418. Num- 
ber of males 21 years and over, 4,571. 

Wytheville, the chief town and county seat, is a pretty and flourishing 
place of 3,003 inhabitants, census of 1900 (now about 3,500, an increase 
of 433 ) , and is situated near the center of the county, on the line 
of the Norfolk & Western railroad 280 miles southwest from Richmond, 
Its elevation is 2,360 feet above the sea level, affording picturesque scenery, 
healthful and bracing climate, pleasant days and cool nights, fine alum and 
chalybeate water, excellent society, well-kept hotels and boarding houses, 
handsome streets and residences, constituting an eligible summer resort of 
great popularity. Churches are numerous and handsome, and its educa- 
tional advantages are of a high order. Besides colleges and well regulated 
public schools there are private boarding schools for young ladies. It has 
also several newspapers, two banks, fraternal orders, water works, electric 
lights, and macadamized streets. In addition to several flourishing manufac- 
tories and machine shops, there are stores in every department of business. 
A new courthouse costing about $50,000, and one of the finest in the State, 
has recently been erected. The Supreme Court of Appeals of the State 
holds a session here annually during the months of June and July. 
Other towns, besides Rural Retreat, are Ivanhoe, Max Meadows, Fosters 
Fall, and Austinville. These are all thriving manufacturing or business 
places, and of considerable population and importance. 



YORK COUNTY. 

This county Avas one of the original shires into which Virginia was di- 
vided in 1634. It was first krown as Charles county, but changed to York 
in 1642. It lies 50 miles south by east of Richmond. It is 30 miles long 
with a mean breadth of five miles, and contains an area of 124 square miles, 
one-half of which is in cultivation. Lands have advanced in price in the 
past ten years about 40 per cent., and near Yorktown about 60 per cent. 

The surface is level, the soil varying from a light loam in the south 
to clay in the north, and generally of a good quality. 
16 



242 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, potatoes, etc. Considerable fruit of 
the various varieties is grown, and melons in great abundance. The York 
and other streams abound in the finest of oysters, and this is the leading 
money product of the county; also fish of every variety are in great abund- 
ance. These, and truck farming, constitute the county's most profitable 
industries. Some portions of the county are very well adapted to stock 
raising, especiallyy sheep. 

The Chesapeake & Ohio railroad passes through the southwest border of 
the county and a survey has been made for a railroad from Yorktown to 
Hampton, which, if built, will be a great benefit to the county. 

Water courses are numerous. Besides Chesapeake bay, York, Poquoson, 
and Back rivers, there are numerous navigable creeks, all of which afford 
excellent shipping facilities, which have been greatly improved the past 
few years, having daily steamers to the wharves, from Baltimore and Nor- 
folk. There are no minerals except marl, which is in great abund- 
ance. The county has been largely depleted of timber, and second growth 
now constitutes the principal supply. Manufactories are limited to lumber 
plants and barrel factories, of which there are several. In climate, health 
and water this county compares favorably with other counties of this 
section. Churches of all the Protestant denominations, and public schools 
are numerous and convenient. Telephone service excellent, embracing a 
hundred miles of line reaching to all sections. 

Population, census of 1900, 7,482. Number of males 21 years and over, 
1,790. 

Yorktown, the county seat, is located on York river near its mouth, 33 
miles from Norfolk and 70 miles from Richmond. While a town of 
limited population, and advantages, it possesses a historic interest second 
to none other in the confines of our great country, as having been the 
scene of the closing conflict for American Independence, where, on October 
19th~ 1781, the army of Cornwallis surrendered to the combined armies of 
America and France, which notable event was a century later commemora- 
ted by the erection, by the government near the spot, of an imposing monu- 
ment, 97 feet in height, adorned with patriotic devices and inscriptions, 
and pronounced by travelers to be the handsomest monument in the Avorld. 
This county was also the scene of the first battle of the late war fought at 
Big Bethel, as well as the last battle of the Revolution fought at Yorktown. 

'The Moore House," on Temple farm, lying in a peninsula formed by York 
river, Waverly creek and Mill Pond, one mile east of Yorktown, is another 
precious relic of our past history, noted as the place of capitulation of the 
army of Cornwallis to the armies of Washington, Lafayette and Rocham- 
beaux. The house is still occupied as a residence, and stands about 50 feet 
above York river, commanding a beautiful view of the Chesapeake bay, 
Yorktown monument, and quaint old Yorktown. All along the York river 
are beautiful residential sites breezy the year round, and overlooking the 
placid blue waters of the broad river. 

Other towns in the county are Grafton and Poquoson, and branches of the 
Peninsula Bank are located at these points, indicating the demands of a 
growing business in this section. 




Cities of Virginia. 



ALEXANDRIA. 



Alexandria, the county seat of Alexandria, is situated on the Potomac 
river, six miles south of Washington, and is in full view of the national 
capital, with which it is closely related in social and business affairs. 

Transportation facilities are afforded by four great trunk railways, while 
the largest vessels find a safe landing at the wharves on the Potomac river. 

The census of 1900 gave the city a population of 14,528. 

Among the numerous enterprises located at Alexandria are two glass 
works — the Old Dominion Glass Co., and the Virginia Glass Co. The Em- 
erson Pump Works, recently of Baltimore, have moved their plant to 
Alexandria. 

The city has made rapid progress in the past few years. The work of 
paving the streets with vitrified brick has been extended to all parts of 
the city. The water supply is of the purest. Excellent public schools are 
conducted in this city, the educational advantages being all that could be 
desired, and the churches are large and elegant. 

During the past year the city of Alexandria has steadily advanced in 
material prosperity along many lines, with the best indications that this 
progressiveness will be maintained and increased in the succeeding years. 
The general improvement has been brought about by a combination of 
causes, including a remarkable development of the transportation facil- 
ities both by rail and Avater, the skilful handling of the city finances, and 
the adoption by the city council of many methods having especially in view 
the encouragement of the growth and advancement of the city. 



BRISTOL. 

Although not the county seat of the great and fertile county of Wash- 
ington, the largest town in it is Bristol, situated in the extreme southeast- 
ern part of the county, immediately upon the line dividing the States of 
Virginia and Tennessee, Bristol, Va. being on the north side of Main street 
and Bristol, Tenn., on the south. Owing to its unique position in this 
respect, some complications may arise in a description of the industrial 
and business interests confined to the Virginia side of the city. The pop- 
ulation of Bristol, Va. (census of 1900) is 4,579 and is being steadily in- 
creased. The increase of population since last census is 1,677, and in the 
number of males 21 years and over, 1,278. Bristol, Tennessee, has 5,271 
population. 

Its highly favorable situation, and exceptional railroad facilities are 
rapidly bringing it to the front as a commercial, manufacturing and edu- 
cational center. It would be difficult to imagine a place with greater natu- 
ral advantages of location, situated about midway between the great cities 
of the north and south, and between the great coal fields of Virginia and 
the mineral and timber lands of Tennessee, thus becoming the distributing 
center of a large area of contiguous country, abounding in mineral deposits 
of enormous value, also in practically inexhaustible quantities of timber. 



244 

Bristol is the terminal of the two great trunk railway lines, the Norfolk 
and Western and the Southern, and the two divisions of the Virginia and 
Southwestern. It is expected that there will soon be a direct connection 
with the Seaboard Air Line railway. The Bristol Belt Line railway 
furnishes quick and easy transit to every part of the twin cities. A beau- 
tiful and costly union station has been built by the Norfolk and Western 
railroad and is occupied jointly by the railroads centering here, the 
station and sheds having a total length of over 500 feet. The Virginia and 
Southwestern railway has its shops here and builds its own cars, employ- 
ing a number of operators. The manufactories embrace a large variety of 
valuable works, among which are an iron furnace, a foundry and machine 
shops, tannery, a $500,000 wood pulp plant, spoke and tub plant, barytes 
mill, lumber mill, roller flouring mill, furniture factory, and many others 
oi greater or less importance to the number of 79 in the double city, 
whose annual pay roll aggregates over $2,000,000. Hardly a month 
passes without some new industry being established or a former one being 
enlarged with increased output. The excellent shipping advantages fur- 
nished by the several through line railroads have resulted in a large 
increase of its jobbing trade, until there are one or more wholesale houses in 
every line, and the books of the jobbers show customers in not less than ten 
States, Avhile Bristol's manufacturers ship their product to every State 
in the Union and several of them have a large export trade. Cheap fuel 
and abundant supply of labor are important factors in this condition of 
prosperity. The growth of the city, including that portion in Tennessee, 
bringing the total population up to over 10,000, has been so healthy and 
regular that there has never been any scarcity of labor, and strikes are 
unknown. 

The city banking facilities are all that are needed, being furnished by 
three prosperous, well-managed banks, having a combined paid-up capital 
of $350,000. The churches include those of every denomination, and several 
of them have very handsome and costly buildings; while the public 
schools are of superior excellence, and there are several educational institu- 
tions of high order, two large female colleges, one male, and still another 
for the education of colored youth; such are the facilities for higher educa- 
tion that some of Bristol's most valuable citizens have been attracted 
here with their families by the inducements afforded in this particular. 

Buildings to the value of $506,428 were erected here in 1904, and to the 
value of $675,882 in 1905. . 

With paved streets, granolithic sidewalks, gas, electric lights, street rail- 
ways, fine stores, elegant residences and all modern conveniences, a moral 
citizenship and such conditions of health as may be expected to exist, 
where the altitude above tidewater reaches 1,676 feet, as reported, the 
city is forging to the front as one of the most thriving manufacturing, 
jobbing and retail cities in the south, to which end, its capable and aggres- 
sive Board of Trade contributes largely in promoting. 

It has three well-conducted newspapers, ever alive to its welfare, and 
which lose no opportunity to advance its interests in every legitimate way 
within their province. They are The Herald, a morning paper, and The 
News, an evening issue of Bristol, Va., and Courier of Bristol, Tennessee, a 
morning paper. 



BTJENA VISTA. 

Buena Vista, as a home, combines all the advantages of beautiful scenery, 
an invigorating climate, and pure mountain water, with good schools and 
churches. As a place for business, it offers abundant natural resources, 
good transportation, cheap labor and a most favorable location with re- 
spect to the sources of raw material as well as to market. It is a town 



245 

that has survived the stress of industrial and commercial depressions and 
fluctuations, and to-day it is enjoying greater prosperity, and has a 
brighter future than at any other time of its history. 

Buena Vista is situated in one of the most desirable parts of the Valley 
of Virginia. 

It lies between the western slopes of the Blue Bidge mountains and the 
north branch of James river, eight miles from Lexington, and fourteen 
miles from one of natures greatest wonders — Natural Bridge. 

Its altitude ranges from 1,000 to 1,100 feet above sea level, while the 
mountains on the east and south rise to a height of 2,500 feet. Its climate 
is not severe in winter, and in summer its fresh breezes and cool nights 
bring health and comfort. In no part of this favored section has nature 
been more lavish with her beauty or combined more varied charms of 
scenery. 

It is located on two railroads — The Shenandoah Valley division of the 
Norfolk and Western and the James River division of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio, the latter connecting at Lexington with the Valley division of the 
Baltimore and Ohio. 

By these railroads Buena Vista is furnished coal from the Pocahontas 
region of Virginia, and from the New River district of West Virginia, at 
low rates. In the immediate section surrounding the town are vast mineral 
and timber resources, and fertile blue grass lands. The water power fur- 
nished by North River is but partially utilized. 

The town has a population of 3,000 industrious and thrifty people. It 
owns its water works, and purest freestone water is supplied by gravity 
from limped mountain streams. 

An electric light plant, owned by the town, but now leased, furnishes 
lights, arc and incandescent, on most reasonable terms. There are eight 
churches, two banks, a modern and well equipped sanitorium, and numerous 
stores in the town. 

A public graded school, with an enrolment of about five hundred and a 
capable corps of teachers, is maintained nine months in the year and 
thorough work is being done. There is also the Southern Seminary, a col- 
lege for young ladies, with splendid buildings, capable of furnishing accom- 
modation for 150 or 200 girls. 

Among the enterprises now in successful operation are the following: 
Paper and pulp mill, blast furnace, extract plant, a five set woolen 
mill, and fire brick plant, a tannery and a foundry, a sash, door and blind 
factory, saddle factory, and a patent roller flour mill. 

In the foothills near the town, mining operations are successfully carried 
on. The mountains surrounding the town abound in beautiful pink sand 
stone. 

From the character of the enterprises now in operation a large per cent, 
of the employees are men. The women and children in the homes would 
supply the necessary help in knitting mills, shirt factories and similar 
industries. Buena Vista's location in the Iron Belt and its railroad facili- 
ties make it a fine site for car-plant, machine shop and the manufacture of 
all iron products. As an index to the volume of business done in the town, 
mention is made of the fact that the receipts for freight hauled to and from 
the town by the two railroads passing through it for the fiscal year ending 
June 30th, 1905, amounted to $324,557.67. 
^ With its wealth of natural resources, its superior transportation facili- 
ties, its proximity to the great markets, its central geographical position, 
which puts the southern as near as the northern trade, Buena Vista offers 
a combination of advantages that few other localities of the south can 
equal. 

Her people are liberal and broad-minded, and bid strangers welcome. 
Cheap houses and cheap sites can be secured on easy terms. 



247 



CHARLOTTESVILLE. 

Charlottesville is the county seat of Albemarle county and near the 
center of the State. The railroad facilities are excellent, two great trunk 
lines passing through the county, the Chesapeake and Ohio east and west, 
and the Southern railroad north and south. The city has three banks, two 
national, and one State bank. Among the manufacturing enterprises is 
the Charlottesville Woole 1 Mills, making specially military goods. The 
Monticello Wine Co., located here, has a big reputation for its table wines, 
and has a large foreign market. It owns a four-story brick building with a 
capacity of 250,000 gallons. A cigar factory and several planing mills are 
also enterprises of Charlottesville. 

The city has a population of about ten thousand. The celebrated Uni- 
versity of Virginia, with over seven hundred students, is located here, 
besides which are several excellent female schools, and one of the best 
public schools in the State. 

Charlottesville has electric street cars and electric lights on the streets. 
The city owns its gas plant and water system. The town is growing in a 
substantial and healthy way. It has a large back country and the mer- 
chants here do a profitable business. Nearly every religious denomination 
, is well represented, with full membership and handsome churches, and most 
of the leading orders have organizations. 



DANVILLE. 

The city of Danville, which thirty-three years ago was a straggling vil- 
lage with a few hundred ambitious citizens, has grown so rapidly in size, 
wealth and importance, that now it ranks among the largest of the cities 
of Virginia with a population of 19,765, last census. 

It is situated on Dan River, from whence its name, in Pittsylvania 
county, two and a half miles from the North Carolina line, 240 miles 
south of Washington, 208 miles west of Norfolk and 140 southwest from 
Richmond, at an elevation of 413 feet above sea level. 

Danville was the first city in the United States to own its electric light- 
ing plant. It has also a gas plant and furnishes its people with cheaper 
light than scarcely any other city in the covintry. Its water supply is from 
a watershed, running ninety miles to the Blue Ridge and its water power 
has a fall of 19 feet at Danville, and a minimum flow yielding about 3,000 
horse power. 

The city is situated in the healthful Piedmont country and is ascertained 
to be very near the health center of the United States. Her natural drain- 
age and sewerage system is unsurpassed and the water works, in addition 
to superior equipment in other respects, include a reservoir with a capacity 
of six million gallons. The total length of water mains is twenty-four 
miles and the price of water is at the low rate of 7 1 /, ceits per 1,000 gal 
lors. In connection with this subject it may be stated that it is surrounded 
by a great variety of mineral springs, among which are Patrick Springs, 
Carter's Sulpho-Calcic and Hodnett's, all of which are easily accessible, 
and there are two beautiful well-laid-out parks. One of the best equipped 
city hospitals in the south is also the boast of the city. 

Danville enjoys very superior church privileges. Rarely will there be 
found a -community in which so large a proportion of its population is 
identified with the churches, and with active Christian enterprise. Nearly 
all the leading denominations are represented. There are six Methodist 
churches, four Baptist, three Presbyterian, three Epi-copal, one Christian, 
one Catholic, one Jewish, together valued at $270,0C0, and e ; ght large 



249 

colored churches valued at $35,000. Many of the church buildings are of 
modern style of architecture and handsome imposing structures. The 
large, and comfortable tabernacle with a seating capacity of four thousand 
is a monument to the fraternal spirit and evangelical zeal of the churche3 
and pastors. In this large building, great religious meetings are held from 
time to time under the co-operative superintendence of the churches. Con- 
nected with each church are flourishing Sunday schools and an unusually 
well-equipped corps of teachers and officers. 

Few cities the size of Danville enjoy better educational facilities. It has 
the primary and grammar grade system of free schools for both white and 
colored and a high school connection with each, which continue in operation 
nine calendar months. It has excellent school buildings, supplied with all 
the modern conveniences. The present total enrollment of pupils is 2,643, 
of whom 1,627 are white and 1,076 colored. Number of teachers fifty-two, 
35 white and 17 colored. Cost of public schools about $15,000 annually. 
Besides the public schools there is a preparatory school for boys and a 
number of private and denominational schools, which are well patronized; 
Roanoke Female College (the oldest) was established in 1859, and is under 
the control of the Baptists. The second female school of high grade, in 
point of age is the Randolph-Macon Institute — successor to the Danville 
College for young ladies, which was established in 1883 under the auspices 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The Danville Military Institute 
was established in 1890 and has five departments of instruction — classical, 
scientific, English, commercial and military, the latter department conducted 
by an officer of the regular army. The Danville Commercial College, organ- 
ized in 1893, is equipped with modern furniture, and affords advantages 
equal to those offered by leading business colleges of the South. The 
Danville Academy of Medicine and Surgery is a permanent organization, its 
membership consisting of a majority of the physicians of the city. 

Danville does a fine banking business, due largely to her immense loose 
tobacco business, which requires a great deal of capital and which is fur- 
nished, to a large extent, by her own banking institutions. There are seven 
banks, whose last statements April 1, 1906, show: 



LOANS AND 

INVESTMENTS 

First National Bank $1,470,000 

Bank of Danville 672,000 

Commercial ' 466,000 

Peoples 222,000 

Union 220,000 

Home 63,000 

Totals $3,113,000 $686,000 $2,744,000 

This statement does not include one large private bank, which can be 
safely estimated at $200,000 capital and deposits. 

There are two cotton factories, the Riverside Cotton Mills — capital $2,000,- 
000, surplus $500,000— and 69,000 spindles. The Dan River Power and 
Manufacturing Company is still larger than the Riverside, and when com- 
pleted will be of 80,000 spindle capacity; the two combined employing 
over 4,700 operatives. 

The daily newspapers are The Register and The Bee, the former morning, 
and the latter evening papers. In addition, there is The Tobacco Journal, 
issued weekly in the interest of the tobacco trade; also temperance, labor, 
and church organs; of the latter The Baptist Union, a monthly church 



CAPITAL AND UNDI- 


DEPOSITS 


VIDED PROFITS 




$237,000 


$1,311,000 


221,000 


521,000 


133,000 


429,000 


44,000 


213,000 


33,000 


225,000 


18,000 


45,000 



251 

journal published in the interest of the Baptist denomination, and The 
Methodist, also a church monthly published in the interest of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church South. 

The electric street car line has been rebuilt and extended at an expen- 
diture of about $300,000, and now has some seven miles of track in opera- 
tion, a good portion, through the thickly settled part of the city, double 
track. 

Hotel and boarding house facilities are superior, consisting of three first 
class hotels and several licensed private boarding houses. The city has 
many handsome and extensive buildings — a fine City Hall, United 
States public building, Masonic Temple (cost $40,000) , the Dudley Block, 
Main street (cost $80,000), the American Tobacco Company's large storage 
warehouse, and numerous others. The residence portion of the city 
is very attractive with its niauy elegant homes, and as a place of residence 
offers many advantages. 

The transportation facilities of Danville are excelled by few cities in the 
south. It is the western terminus of the Atlantic and Danville railway, 
the eastern terminus of the Danville and Western railway, and the junction 
point of three of the Southern railway's branches. The main line of the 
Southern passes through the city, and the Richmond branch, 140 miles in 
length, connects Danville with the capital of the State. The Southern 
railway also has a line between Danville and Portsmouth, through which 
port most of its eastern and foreign business passes. 

The city is connected with its prosperous twin city, North Danville, by a 
magnificent iron bridge spanning Dan river, making them one in their 
interests and business relations. Danville has been, from its earliest days, 
prominently a tobacco town, and now the tobacco trade makes the strong 
claim that it is the largest bright tobacco market in the world, handling 
about 45,000,000 pounds yearly, representing approximately three and a 
half million dollars. This claim is reasonable, when it is understood that 
Pittsylvania and all the finest bright tobacco growing counties in Virginia 
and North Carolina are convenient and pour their great product by thous- 
ands of wagons and hundreds of freight trains from this wide area into the 
great market, where the farmer sells promptly, is paid at once, and goes 
home at the day's end with his pocket-book well lined, and himself laden with 
goods and family supplies from the many well-stocked stores of the city. 
Thus it is that Danville, in the season, is one of the busiest markets of 
trade in the country. With this immense business to handle, Danville must 
necessarily have good thoroughfares, and she has 39 miles of paved, graded 
and macadamized streets upon which hundreds of thousands of dollars have 
been spent. 

The assessed valuation of property owned by the city, including gas, water 
and electric plants, foots up $812,933.77, and the total value of all prop- 
erty, real and personal, in the city, is $12,280,287. Among the principal 
manufacturing industries in Danville are an extensive knitting mill, 
foundry and machine shops, two large grist mills, flouring mills, overall and 
pants factory, two good brick yards, three large furniture factories, two 
sash, door and blind factories, and three up-to-date printing offices, with a 
pay roll averaging $37,500 per week, totaling about $2,000,000 annually. 

Danville has also three building loan associations, with a total capital 
and undivided surplus of $151,517.56, a complete telephone system with 905 
phones, many excellent charitable institutions and twenty secret orders, 
famed for their liberality and helpfulness. The wholesale and retail trade 
is healthy and progressive, and Danville's commercial association is alive 
to every interest of the city and being composed of active, intelligent busi- 
ness men in every department of trade or profession, loses no opportunity 
to advise and assist all worthy enterprises which may need its good offices. 



253 

FREDERICKSBURG. 

Fredericksburg is sixty miles north of Richmond and sixty miles south of 
Washington; is at the head of tidewater in the Rappahannock river valley 
and is within a few hours of the big markets of the eastern seaboard. Five 
great trunk lines run their trains through the city every day over the R. F. 
& P. railroad; the Potomac, Fredericksburg & Piedmont railroad furnishes 
transportation facilities west, and connection with the Southern, and Chesa- 
peake and Ohio railroad, and large steamers and freight barges ship from 
the city's wharves, provide this section with cheap water freights. This 
city and section are healthful, no epidemic ever having visited them, and the 
death rate is extremely low. A splendid water power of a present capacity 
of five thousand horse power, and a possible capacity of ten 
thousand, furnishes cheap power to three large flour mills, two electric 
light plants, stone cutters, large woolen mill, large silk mill, and other 
factories. There are, in addition to the factories mentioned, two shoe 
factories, one shirt factory, canning factory, overalls and pants factory, 
cigar factory, several wood-working plants, the largest sumac mills in the 
south, and a large tannery and three newspapers and several printing 
offices, in addition to numerous other smaller manufacturing plants. Sev- 
eral large pickle factories and excelsior mills, and two large iron foundries, 
with the other factories, furnish employment to many hundreds of work- 
men and women and add to the business importance of the city. Freder- 
icksburg is the center of the hard-wood trade of the State and is the main 
terminus of the R. F. & P. railroad. 

The last few years have been marked by great material progress in this 
city. The sound of the saw and hammer are heard on every side as sub- 
stantial business houses and beautiful residences are being erected. The 
city has taken on new life and awakened to the splendid possibilities pos- 
sessed. Real estate values have steadily increased during the last five years 
from thirty to one hundred per cent. The growth of population has been 
gradual but steady. Fredericksburg offers splendid opportunities for the 
location of factories on account of her excellent water power. The credit 
of the city is unsurpassed, its four per cent, bonds selling'at a handsome 
premimum. 

To those in search of homes or manufacturing sites, Fredericksburg offers 
many advantages. The city is rich in historical associations, with a cul- 
tured and refined people and a mild and delightful climate, making it an 
ideal spot for the home seeker. 

The country contiguous is the equal of any in the world for combined 
general farming, stock-raising, grasses, vegetables, fruit, grain, fuel, water, 
fish and game and the climate is mild and equable, the mountains to the 
west about fifty miles sheltering this section, and the Gulf stream off the 
f«nes adding to its healthfulness and genial qualities. 



LYNCHBURG. 

Lynchburg, the thriving city of Campbell county, was laid out as a town 
in 1786, and named for John Lynch, an officer in the Revolution, and one of 
its first settlers. He donated the land for its site. It was an important 
crossing on James river in "Ye olden times," known as Lynch's Ferry, 
Being for many years the western terminus of canal transportation from 
Richmond, before the advent of railroads, it was a commercial metropolis 
of the country, reaching to and embracing a large portion of the States of 
North Carolina, Tennessee ana Kentucky; and, being the natural gateway 
and distributing point of this rich and extensive territory, it still main- 
tains its importance as a commercial center. 



254 

It is situated in the extreme northern part of the county, on the hilts 
overlooking the James river on the south and west, 524 feet above sea 
level, and on account of its picturesque and elevated location, it has acquired 
the name of the '-'Hill City." It has well paved streets, electric lights and 
street cars ; also modern municipal Avater service of pure water piped from 
the mountains of Nelson at the cost of over half a million dollars. 

It has a delightful climate, exceedingly healthful. Mineral waters and 
summer resorts of wide reputation are within a few hours' travel. 

There are thirty churches in the city, some of which are very handsome, 
and the Young Men's Christian Association, with $93,000 in hand, is build- 
ing an elegant structure. Educational advantages are very superior, em- 
bracing eight public schools and a number of good private schools, a 
business college and the famous Randolph-Macon Woman's College, with a 
large and valuable addition in 1906, the Presbyterian Orphanage and the 
Christian College. 

The six fine banking institutions are in a flourishing condition, having a 
combined capital of $1,200,000, surplus $910,000, with total deposits 
amounting to over six and a quarter millions. The deposits in the past 
ten years show an increase of $3,912,857, and in the last ten months of 
$725,230. 

There are two excellent daily newspapers, morning and evening — the 
News, and the Advwnce. 

Lynchburg has also two superior hotels and several smaller but popular 
ones, and a fine United States building. The Miller Orphan Asylum, in a 
near by suburb, has commodious buildings and large endowment, and a 
beautiful and extensive park. 

The city is connected with Madison — a suburban town of Amherst county, 
two thousand inhabitants — by a free bridge across the James, and also with 
its suburb Rivermont, by a splendid iron bridge over Blackwater creek, 
twelve hundred feet in length, sixty feet in width, and one hundred and 
thirty-two feet in height, with a double electric railway and two roadways, 
and walking ways. This bridge reaches an avenue ninety feet wide, upon 
which is located Randolph-Macon Woman's College, the Presbyterian 
Orphanage, the Public Library and many beautiful residences. 

The three largest railroad systems of the south, the Southern, Norfolk 
and Western, and Chesapeake and Ohio, controlling 10,440 miles of railway, 
(also the Lynchburg and Durham railroad), center here, offering com- 
petitive rates and ready communication with all parts of the country. The 
amount of tonnage received in Lynchburg annually is two billion pounds, the 
amount forwarded one billion pounds, and the number of daily passenger 
trains is twenty. 

The advantages of Lynchburg as a manufacturing center, on account of 
its splendid water power, close proximity to a vast tributary country 
furnishing coal, cotton, tobacco, iron, timber and other raw material, 
superior transportation facilities, low taxes and freight rates, have 
attracted the attention of prospective manufacturers and, as a consequence, 
secured the establishment of new industries, and development along all 
industrial lines. 

There are in the city more than fifty enterprising manufactories, of which 
the principal are Adams-Monroe Manufacturing Company ; Adams Brothers- 
Paynes Company, brick and building material; American Cigar Company: 
Almond Dry Goods Company; American Trunk Manufacturing Company; 
American Snuff Company; Allen Bros. Tobacco Company; Acme Mill 
Works; American Manganese Company; J. P. Bell Company, blank books, 
stationery and publications; Beverly and Scott, barrels and hogsheads; T. 
3. Bass and Bro., cigars; Butler and Butler, cigarettes; Smith Baxandall, 



255 

custom-made clothing; Commercial Printing Company; Camm Bros., bot- 
tlers; P. G. Cosby and Company, coffee, baking powder and salt fish; H. 
E. DeWitt, sash, doors and blinds; C. P. Doss, cigars; Doherty and Casey 
and Thos. B. Dornin Company, cornice and sheet metal; M. E. Doyle, sad- 
dles and harness; Fiedler and Bay, tombstones and marble products; Flec- 
nor Furniture Company, mattresses; M. Goldstein, ladies' wearing apparel; 
S. H. Franklin, custom-made clothing; Glamorgan Pipe and Foundry Com- 
pany; Gilliam and Company, mattresses; C. M. Guggenheimer, millinery 
and women's wearing apparel; J. E. Gutman, millinery; Hancock Brothers 
Tobacco Company, chewing tobacco; Harris Carriage Company; Harris 
Woodson and Company, candy and confections; Hughes Buggy Company; 
John H. Heald and Company, bark extract; Hubard Machine Shops; N. 
B. Handy Company, sheet metal; Highlander Tobacco Company; Jones- 
Terry Foundry and Machine Shops; Lynchburg Steam Bakery; Lynchburg 
Cotton Mill Company;- Lynchburg Milling Co.; Lynchburg Lounge Com- 
pany; Lynchburg Paper Box Company; Lynchburg Foundry Company; 
Lynchburg Diamond lee Company; Lynchburg Furniture Company; Lynch- 
burg Hosiery Mills ; Lloyd Moore, planing mill products ; D. Moses and Com- 
pany, picture frames, window shades and millinery; J. P. Millner Com- 
pany, women's wearing apparel and millinery; T. E. McLaughlin, bottled 
goods and mineral water ; Nelson, Klein and Krausse Company, barytes ; 
Ninth Street Shoe Factory; Norfolk and Western Overall Company; Old 
Dominion Box Company; M. O'Mieara, custom-made clothing; Pierce and 
Akers, brick and building material; Payne, Seay and Anderson, druggists; 
Piedmont Milling Company; H. A. Robinson, peanuts and popcorn; Stam- 
ford Manufacturing Company, dyestuffs ; A. M. Shaner. buggies, wagons and 
carriages; Southland Shoe Factory; R. H. Shepherd, cigars; Strother 
Drug Company; G. Stalling and Company, tobacco extract; W. O. Taylor, 
planing mill products; Thornhill Wagon Works; I. Tonik; women's Avearing 
apparel; United Cigarette Machine Company; Virginia-Carolina Chemical 
Company; J. I. Van Ness, tombstone and marble products; S. A. Wright, 
planing mill products; L. 0. Wrenn, saddles and harness; J. A. Wilkins 
and Liggan and Holt, stationery and printing; Wills-Camp Co., custom- 
made clothing; J. W. West and Company, chewing tobacco; Craddoek-Terry 
Co.; and Geo-. D. Witt Co., shoes. 

The capital employed in manufacturing plants in Lynchburg reached the 
sum of $4,604,740, as of January 1, 1906. 

The number of employees of these factories is 5,012. 

The amount paid out for the annual aggregate of pay rolls is $1,469.- 
018.00. 

The value of manufacturing plants is $2,835,618. 

The total output of the city from its manufacturing enterprise reaches 
the total of $12,428,019. 

About four years ago similar statistics to the foregoing were compiled, 
and the result of a comparison between the two shows an increase in the 
value of manufactured products of nearly seven million and a half dollars 
or over 150 per cent. 

The largest plants in the city are those manufacturing pipe, plows, shoes, 
cotton goods, cigars, tobacco, flour and bark extract, but the multiplicity 
of the smaller plants make up in their great number what they lack in 
individual size of output and contribute no little to the prosperity of the 
community. 

During the year the building permits issued in the city show a grand 
total of $872,325, while a conservative estimate of the cost of new structures 
in the immediate suburbs place the amount at $300,000. The class of build- 
ing erected during the year is far ahead of anything ever before seen in 
the city. 



256 



The Southern Bell Telephone Company has just completed the installa- 
tion of a new underground metallic central energy system of telephones, 
which, when completed, represents an outlay of $200,000. 

The Lynchburg Traction and Light Company has completed at Reusens, 
several miles above the city on the James river, a water power plant, which 
has cost nearly $500,000. 

The Southern Fire Insurance Company with a capitalization of $200,000, 
a product of the year, is doing a splendid business, and the promoters of 
the American National Life Insurance Company, which will be limited to 
$500,000, has begun business recently with $100,000 of its stock sold at a 
premium. 




COMMERCE STREET, IN LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA. 

The wholesale dry-goods section of the city. 



The Old Dominion Bridge and Iron Company has been organized, and, it 
is said, will soon be ready to begin work on its plant in the southern por- 
tion of the city. 

The Krise Banking and Office Building, with its seven stories, Lynch- 
burg's "sky scraper," and a decided ornament and convenience to the city, 
was completed and occupied early in the year 1906. 

The railways have enjoyed great prosperity during the year, both the 
freight and passenger business of all the roads being larger than ever before. 
During the year ending July 1st there were sold 325,869 tickets out of the 
city. 

One of the achievements of the year has been the fact that every cent on 
an assessment of about $9,000,000 of real estate for city purposes has been 



257 

■collected, a condition that probably has never anywhere existed in the 
South. 

The manufacture and trade in shoes has, of recent years, attracted much 
attention to Lynchburg, on account of the immense business done by the 
Craddock-Terry Company, and the George D. Witt Company. Their success 
has been so marked that both of these firms are building new factories, with 
which to largely increase, if not double, their output, and the Smith- 
Briscoe Company is also erecting a large factory for making men's shoes 
and in the near future Lynchburg may threaten the monopoly of the shoe 
business of the South. 

Another leading business of the city is that of cast iron pipes, in which 
the Glamorgan and the Lynchburg Pipe Works are engaged. These pro- 
ducts are now sold in every State in the Union. 

In twenty-five years the volume of business done by the wholesalers of 
Lynchburg has grown from nothing to over twenty-two millions of dollars 
annually, and the growth for the year 1905 has exceeded that of any previ- 
ous year. 

Instead of the one or two straggling salesmen who at the beginning of 
the period sometimes made trips, there are now over four hundred knights 
of the grip on the road representing Lynchburg houses. It costs the mer- 
chants nearly three quarters of a million dollars every year to keep these 
men in the field. Something over five million dollars is the capital actually 
invested by these distributers in the operation of their business, and they 
employ over six hundred house and stock men at a cost of five hundred 
thousand dollars in yearly salaries, thus providing a circulating medium 
from this source alone of nearly ten thousand dollars a week within the city 
limits. 



MANCHESTER. 

Thj city of Manchester is thought to be the oldest settlement, next to 
Jamestown, in Virginia, dating back nearly 300 years, having been set- 
tled seventy-eight years before Philadelphia, May 13, 1609, by Sir Thomas 
West (Lord De La Ware), the president of the Virginia colony. In 1773 
the James River Bank was established there, being one of the first banks 
in America. The city is in Chesterfield county, opposite Richmond, on the 
southern bank of James River, at the head of tidewater, having an altitude 
of 38 feet, and by the census of 1900 a population of 9,715 with a near by 
surburban population of five or six thousand persons. 

Manchester is virtually in the heart of Richmond. The center of Man- 
chester is but a few squares from the corner of Seventh and Broad streets, 
in Richmond, and Manchester is hedged in by Richmond on three sides, 
and Forest Hill Park, with its beauty and sylvan attractions, is as near the 
central business part of Richmond as Richmond College or Libby Hill Park. 
There are fine street car lines in this city, whose service has been quickened 
and rendered more efficient. These two considerations put Manchester in 
the very heart of Richmond. Therefore, if Richmond succeeds, Manchester 
is bound to succeed. 

She has three street car lines, which connect her with all parts of 
Richmond on the most favorable condition of transfer. She is connected 
with Petersburg by a splendid electric railway, which is superbly built and 
equipped, and which also connects her with all of the intervening portion of 
Chesterfield county. She has fine railway and transportation facilities, 
being in close economical contact as far as her business, manufacturing and 
commercial interests are concerned, with the great railway systems of the 
Atlantic Coast Line, the Southern, the Chesapeake and Ohio railway system 
and the Seaboard Air Line, and the steamboat companies of the James river. 
17 



258 

These railways traversing her territory, and the territory of the county 
of Chesterfield, contiguous to her limits, afford splendid facilities for trans- 
portation and intercourse, and from the situation of these lines and their 
length in the city and county, together with their proximity to business 
centers, and especially to Richmond, present almost unlimited sites of great 
excellence and suitability for all kinds of manufacturing enterprises and 
general business. 

Bordering the James river for at least two miles, the city possesses one of 
the most magnificent water powers in this State, which will most favorably 
compare with that of any other spot in this country, as well as fine har- 
bor facilities in that part of the city opposite the wharves of Richmond. 

The usual summer discharge of the river is about 2,000 cubic feet per 
second. During freshets the discharge is much greater, and at one time, 
in 1877, the discharge was estimated to have reached the enormous quantity 
of 200,000 cubic feet per second. The river, however, is so well regulated 
and its capacity for discharge so great, that this great volume of water 
was carried off without loss or destruction of property. 

The taxes in Manchester are graduated and based upon the business done, 
not the amount of capital invested. This wise provision has induced many 
merchants and manufacturers to locate here, prominent among which are 
the Donnan Hardware Company; Stephen Putney Shoe Company; Virginia- 
Carolina Chemical Company; Richmond Electric Company; Richmond Wood 
Working Company; Johnson Axle Factory; Wingo Ellet and Crump Shoe 
Company; Blair-Ronche Glass Works and James River Furniture and Mat- 
tress Company. 

The health of the city is excellent, the rate of mortality having been 
materially decreased of late. The sewerage system, amply adequate; the 
water works well managed and in excellent condition; and the fire depart- 
ment is economically conducted and very efficient. 

Manchester is proud of her banks, of which there are two progressive 
and well-managed institutions, and the finances of the city are in good con- 
dition and well managed. 

The religious and educational opportunities of Manchester are unusual 
for a city of its size, there being sixteen church edifices, representing all 
denominations, of which ten are white, the others colored. Some of the 
buildings are beautiful and costly. The children of the city are provided 
with very good public schools, which are conducted by an experienced 
superintendent and competent principals and teachers, and are adopting 
progressive methods, especially in music and drawing. 

The American Telephone and Telegraph Company has a very fine ex- 
change, located in the Leader building, corner of Tenth and Hull streets, 
in this city. Employees twenty-four. The equipment is complete and up- 
to-date. All of the telephone business of the community, including Rich- 
mond, as far north as Maine, south as Florida, and west as Denver, passes 
through this office. An increase of 18 per cent, over the business of 1904 
is reported. 

Manchester is connected with Richmond by seven bridges — five railroad, 
and two wagon-way and street car bridges — and a new free bridge is con- 
templated, which erection is considered as merely a question of time. 

There are many prosperous and profitable manufacturing establishments 
in this city, where a great variety of products are turned out, constituting 
the business life of the city. Among these may be mentioned dynamos and 
motors, hosiery, belting, butts, rough side leather, ground sumac, lumber, 
flour, meal and mill feed, lace leather, brooms, wash boards, wood work, 
paper — coated and enameled — iron bridges, railway axles, ice, tobacco, 
furniture, shoes, paper twine, railroad material, fertilizers, brick and 
tiles, glass bottles, stoves, etc. 



259 

Thousands of men are engaged in these manufactures and but few idle 
men are seen on the streets. 

A great mr.ny people have come to this place to reside. Hundreds have 
been compelled to seek homes in Richmond and the surrounding country 
because the houses in Manchester are all occupied. It is conservatively 
estimated that at least 400 new homes could be rented here in the next few 
months, if built to meet the demand, which is for houses with modern con- 
veniences and improvements at reasonably profitable rentals. The outlook 
for real estate, as inquiries indicate, show renewed interest and is most 
encouraging. 

At no time in the history of this city have her prospects been brighter 
and more flattering. 



NEWPORT NEWS. 

Newport News is an important port and ship-building center, a modern 
city of Tidewater Virginia. It was, according to the best authority, named 
for Sir William Newce (a wealthy English soldier who was granted 2,500 
acres of land and settled at this point October, 1621, dying soon after) and 
not, as is sometimes stated, after Captain Newport. This old Eng- 
lish voyager died in Java prior to 1617, more than four years before he 
is claimed to have relieved the settlement in 1621 with a ship load of 
provisions. Captain John Smith, in the General History of Virginia, 
November 22, 1621, mentions the place as Newport News, which is perhaps 
the first time the name occurs in history. 

Twenty-five years ago this peninsula, which is washed by the James 
river on the west and Hampton Roads on the south, was virtually a wilder- 
ness. Today it is a city, as modern and as enterprising as any in the 
country. Near by, within the range of vision, is a population of 
50,000, some day to become citizens of a metropolis that will extend from 
what is now known as North Newport News, to the government reservation 
at Old Point, nine miles away. 

Between the city proper and Old Point is a section already well built 
up, embracing the towns of Hampton and Phoebus, and another stretch 
of five miles between the former and Newport News, traversed by two elec- 
tric lines and a railway, and building up with marvellous rapidity. 

Newport News is situated on a plateau considerably elevated above high 
tide, at the extreme end of the Virginia peninsula where tbe historic James 
empties into Hampton Roads, twelve miles from Norfolk, seventy-five miles 
from Richmond, and two hundred miles from Washington and Baltimore. 

The water supply is ample for all purposes, and is brought in under- 
ground pipes from a lake sixteen miles north of the city. 

The streets of the city are nicely paved with sheet asphalt, and there are 
three costly viaducts, spanning the Chesapeake and Ohio yards. It is well 
lighted by electricity and gas, and has a magnificent sanitary sewer system, 
a splendidly equipped fire department, and a well organized and disciplined 
police force. 

The business of the city is in a splendid condition. Real estate 
values are firm with no important failures. Industrial investments have 
recently been secured, including a shoe factory, brewery and mantel, 
and grate plant, besides several other minor operations. The city has a 
land assessment of $10,000,000, on personalty, $10,000,000, with assess- 
ments on industries, hardly more than nominal, and bonded indebtedness 
less than $500,000. It has a tax rate of $1.50 for all purposes, $1.15 of 
Which goes into the municipal and school coffers. 




a? § 
* eh 



261 

The admirable climate, insignificant death rate, and light percentage of 
sickness, commends it as a place of residence and business. 

There are twenty churches, representing the various denominations, 
many of which are costly and handsome edifices. School facilities are very 
superior with a fine corps of efficient teachers, and five large brick school 
buildings and several smaller city schools, in addition to a number of pri- 
vate educational institutions, including a kindergarten. Few cities of 
the same age and population anywhere have done so much for the educa- 
tion of the children. 

The city has seven banks — all sound and doing a flourishing business — 
and two excellent daily papers. The hotels of the city have excellent ac- 
commodations. The public buildings are a handsome courthouse, and jail, 
and a government building erected at a cost of $250,000, for post office and 
custom house purposes. 

Building activity is very marked; new residences — and some very hand- 
some ones — are going up in every section; also large and handsome busi- 
ness houses, and office buildings, school houses engine houses, livery estab- 
lishments, etc. 

Newport News has but one railroad, the Chesapeake and Ohio, it being 
the deep water terminus. It is one of several factors in the development of 
the city, and is the largest single railway terminal in the world; comprising 
ten large commercial piers, two monster grain elevators, sixty miles of 
track in its yards, and a fleet of two steamers, five tugs, two car floats, and 
six coal barges, representing an investment of probably $8,000,000. Between 
250,000 and 300,000 cars are handled annually in the Chesapeake and Ohio 
yards. 

Co-operating with the railroad are a number of shipping companies 
which operate regular lines from Newport News to European ports, and in 
addition a number of coastwise and river lines operate from this port to 
all convenient points on the river and coast. The passenger traffic is also 
very heavy. 

Four daily trains leave for, and arrive from, Richmond, mak- 
ing connection with the steamer for Norfolk and Portsmouth. The railway 
and steamship companies pay out here weekly about $40,000. Besides, a 
great many tramp steamers come and go daily. 

There are several foundries in a prosperous condition, also a knitting mill, 
shirt factory and tobacco factory. 

Another vast enterprise to which Newport News largely owes its existence 
is its Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. The ship yard employs 7,000 
men and has a weekly pay roll of $65,000. The capital invested in the plant 
is about $15,000,000. There are two monster dry docks, one of them the 
largest on the American continent, constructed at a cost of $1,000,000 and 
capable of accommodating the largest vessel ever constructed. The basin 
holds 24,000,000 gallons, and is filled by an electrical pumping system with 
a capacity of 200,000 gallons a minute. The company has also two electri- 
cal cranes above two ship ways. The yard is supplied with the largest 
electrical lifting crane in the world, having a capacity of 150 
tons, and in other respects it is perfectly equipped for its large business 
which is perhaps twice as much annually as that of any other ship yard 
in the United States. Large numbers of naval and merchant ships are 
built at this yard. The great battleship Virginia was launched in 1904 
in the presence of 70,000 people. In addition to construction 
work the yard is kept busy day and night on repair jobs. 

April 2, 1906, will mark the 23d anniversary of the birth of 
the port at this place, for it w T as on that day twenty-itlhree 
years ago that the British steamship Paxe sailed with the 
first cargo of export goods brought here over the Chesapeake & Ohio 



263 

railroad. From this modest beginning, the commerce of Newport News has 
grown with such rapid strides, that today it is one of the leading seaports 
in the United States. Indeed, it would be conservative to say that the in- 
crease in trade here has been hardly less than a commercial miracle. The 
duties collected annually amount to about $1,200,000. 

Newport News has one of the largest, deepest and safest harbors on the 
Atlantic coast, with depth of water ranging from eight to eleven fathoms, 
and capable of accommodating the navies, martial and commercial, of the 
planet. A signal tower nearly 100 feet above sea level warns mariners of 
approaching storms day and night. 

This is perhaps, with Norfolk, the best coaling station on the continent, 
and its business in this respect has grown to enormous proportions, amount- 
ing to 3,000,000 tons annually— requiring 65,324 cars, which, if strung 
together, would reach a distance' of 475 miles. The record of this port for 
its coal business is probably not equalled anywhere in the United States, 
and it is rapidly increasing in volume and importance. 

Reference to the coal business would be decidedly incomplete without par- 
ticular mention of the increase in its foreign coal trade. The total value 
of goods that pass through Newport News to and from foreign countries 
annually is about $50,000,000, of which amount about $38,000,000 is ex- 
ported and $12,000,000 is imported. . The aggregate duties amount to $3,- 
200,000, which shows a large increase for the past two years, surpass- 
ing any other port in the United States in this respect. 

In all respects the city continues to grow rapidly. Building operations 
are active. The suburbs are becoming more thickly populated; northern and 
western farmers are settling on lands adjacent to the city for trucking 
purposes, and a large amount of outside capital is awaiting investment 
here. These and many other agencies are contributing to the upbuilding 
of the city, and the Jamestown celebration next year will prove an import- 
ant factor in its progress. 

Population of city, census of 1900, was 19,635, which is an increase of 
15,186 since last census. This shows a phenomenal increase, and if the city 
continues to grow in population the next five years as it has in the past 
five, it will boast of 40,000 or more inhabitants. 

It has a community of wide-a-wake and progressive people, which can but 
prove to be an important element in its future progress and advancement. 



NORFOLK. 

This city, which for generations, on account of its commanding commer- 
cial situation on the deep and safe waters of Elizabeth river and Hampton 
Roads, has been known among Virginians as the "City by the Sea," not only 
maintains its prominence as thetvgreat "seaport of the commonwealth, but 
has, of late years, advanced rapidly in size; wealth and importance. At 
the head of a harbor so deep that the largest ships afloat anchor with 
safety there, and so wide that the combined fleets of the world may float 
uncrowded on its smooth Avaters, it challenges the seaports of the globe 
for a superior position. Virginians from the early years of the aspiring 
colony, to the present time, when as citizens of a great and progressive 
State, looking bravely and hopefully to the future, have felt, and do feel, 
proud of Norfolk. They share, with its people, their exultation as they 
see it risen from the desolation of a long and disastrous war — a desolation 
now forgotten in the progress and wealth and opportunity of the great 
city by the sea. 



265 

During the last forty years, the development and prosperity of Nor- 
folk's harbor, have, in one way and another, been impeded. Those 
difficulties having been adjusted or overcome is substantial, and rapid ad- 
vancement in every direction now prevails, and the 30 miles of wharf front, 
embracing the contiguous cities of Portsmouth and Berkeley, are alive 
with great and constantly increasing activity. Large amounts of local 
capital and many thousands of foreign money are profitably invested, and 
there is room for almost any additional amount, with sure promise of large 
gains in present or new investments. When it is remembered that Norfolk is 
the central port on the whole Atlantic coast for the exportation of both 
southern and western products, and thus the export gateway of a vast agri- 
cultural, manufacturing and mineral territory, the statement just made 
may be understood. 

The Norfolk & Western railroad, Southern, Seaboard Air Line, Chesa- 
peake and Ohio, Atlantic Coast Line, all great trunk lines, reach out into 
the far distant industrial and agricultural fields, and pour their immense 
freights into foreign-bound ships. 

The completion of the Tidewater railroad will add another to the same 
class, having enormous terminals on Hampton Roads and, duplications of 
the same on the Great Lakes of the Northwest, and will be a great road 
for Norfolk. 

Other railroads of minor importance, two canals, and numerous steam- 
boat lines, penetrating the interior waters, and serving coastwise trade, 
collectively make up an aggregate of transportation facilities, second only 
to New York. It may be a surprise to some to know that there are fully 
26 lines of transportation, by rail and water, at Norfolk. 

The terminals of the great railways are located on one or the other side 
of Elizabeth river, and all connected by a uniting belt line, while the 
Trans-Atlantic and Coast Steamship companies, have wharves on both 
sides of the river. Thus the commercial interests of Portsmouth and 
Berkley are closely linked with Norfolk, and frequent ferry boats con- 
stantly plying between the three cities constitute a passenger and freight 
transit over the few hundred yards of intervening water, almost as rapid 
as if by land. 

The wide-a-wake Board of Trade of Norfolk makes the following state- 
ment: 

"Nature has been lavish in the opportunities offered to make this section 
the great distributing point of exports and imports, for nowhere between 
the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Gulf of Mexico is there located so com- 
modious a harbor, such an abundance of anchorage ground, such splendid 
dockage facilities. No harbor upon the Atlanatic coast is so near the great 
northwestern, central and southwestern manufacturing cities of St. Paul, 
Chicago, Cincinnati, Louisville, St, Louis and Kansas City and their con- 
tributing territory, and it is the natural outlet for their products and for 
the great grain growing and cattle raising districts. 

"Within twelve hours ride of Greater Norfolk are the agricultural and 
manufacturing products of 21,000,000 of people, and within 24 hours ride 
there live and move and have their being and industrial life 39,000,000 
people. 

"The concentration of railroads at Norfolk will make it the port for a 
vast commerce, and just as the development of the west and middle west 
have built up New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, so the develop- 
ment of the south and southwest will build up Greater Norfolk. 

"Connected by electric lines, ferries and railroads with all points on its 
shores, Hampton Roads becomes the larger harbor for Greater Norfolk and 
the cities of the Roads, Newport News, Hampton and Old point, aggregating 
a total population of from 160,000 to 165,000. The outer harbor contains 
an anchorage ground of nearly 40,000 acres, with a depth of 50 feet; while 



266 

the Elizabeth river and its branches form the inner harbor, with a depth 
of 30 feet and an area of about 1,000 acres, while dredging to increase 
the depth is constantly going on." 

The remarkable facilities and results of the trucking business in Norfolk 
county having been already referred to in preceding pages of this work, 
it is pertinent, in referring to the subject, right here to state, that Nor- 
folk city is the largest shipping point for "truck" or vegetables on the At- 
lantic coast. Railroad trains and steamships of large capacity, making 
daily and nightly trips, are taxed to their utmost — as stated in a leaflet 
of a reliable Norfolk real estate firm — to convey the products of the fields 
for ten miles around Norfolk to the northern and western cities, which 
largely depend in season on Norfolk for their supply of "green stuff," the 
aggregate of which is, in returns, not less than $7,500,000 annually; and 
every available hand — man, woman and child — is pressed into service to 
cultivate, gather and ship this large product. 

The conditions of climate and soil in this vicinity, where the usual rigor 
of winter is tempered by the Gulf Stream, are such that trucks are ship- 
ped from this market every month of the year, as many as four crops being 
often raised on the same ground annually. Large capital is required in 
producing and handling this immense business, and all branches of trade, 
and every citizen of Norfolk share more or less directly or indirectly in the 
results. 

Norfolk has just annexed a new ward, having about 8,000 people, and 
active movements are now being made to add two others from the immediate 
suburbs. This new territory contains about 15,000 inhabitants. When 
this is arranged, Norfolk will have 88,000 people. Experience shows that 
new wards increase 25 per cent, each year. 

In 1874 the population of Norfolk was less than it was prior to 1855. 
In 1881 Norfolk had 22,000 people. In 1900 it had increased to 46,624. 
The U. S. estimate in 1904 gave 56,662; today it has little short of 65,000. 
The county of Norfolk, embracing Norfolk, Portsmouth and all the smaller 
towns, aggregate at least 130,000. 

The mortality rate of the city, for many years, had averaged 34 to 
the 1,000; today it is 18.60 as the result of improved sewers, drainage, 
etc. 

The manufactories of Norfolk have increased steadily and largely during 
the last ten years, but the advance since the year 1900, has far sur- 
passed the anticipations of the most sanguine citizens, more than 200 pei 
cent, in that time. Thus thousands of operatives, business officers, clerks, 
etc., have largely swelled the population. 

The census of 1900 gave 4,700 as the number of operatives at work in 
the industries of the cities, situated in Norfolk county, whereas 1,519 were 
employed in the whole county in 1880. Today over 20,000 are paid at least 
$5,200,000 in annual wages in all the factories of Norfolk county. Two 
new extensive plants to work 1,500 hands are being built. 

The Norfolk navy yard, located in Portsmouth, works an average of 2,000 
■ men in shipbuilding and repairing, and had last year a pay roll of $1,659,- 
214. The largest winery in the country is here, the largest creosoting plant 
and the largest oyster packing plant. Over 600,000 bushels of oysters are 
handled annually, requiring the services of more than 6,000 persons. This 
is the second fish port in the United States. One tobacco stemmery employs 
700 operators. The knitting industry employs 1,200 hands. One box fac- 
tory cuts 150,000 feet of lumber daily. This is the fourth cotton port of 
the country, having exported last year 36,400 bales — the annual business 
amounting to more than $24,000,000. 



267 

It is reasonable to mi'er that where there is such a volume of business, 
provisions Avould be made for the traveling public. This has been most 
effectively done and no city of its size can boast of better hotels, some of 
them large and elegant, while there are scores of less pretentious ones, 
and many superior , boarding houses, capable of meeting all such demands 
upon the city. It is hardly necessary, in referring to a large and pro- 
gressive city, to notice the electric transit system; but it may be stated 
that it is modern in every particular, and supplied to every settlement and 
seaside resort within 19 miles, including such popular places as Virginia 
Beach, Ocean View, Cape Henry, Willoughby Spit, and the rapidly growing 
site of the Jamestown Exposition Company. 

The public schools of Norfolk are widely known for their good man- 
agement and efficiency. The High School is the pride of the city and enjoys 
a reputation surpassed by none of its class, and there are excellent private 
schools and academies, male and female, of long standing. Perhaps no 
city in Virginia is so well supplied with churches, there being seventy-four 
in all — forty-seven white and twenty-seven colored. Of the white there 
are thirteen Methodist, eight Presbytrians, eight Baptist, six Episcopal, 
three Jewish, three Catholic, two Christian, one Lutheran, one Disciple, 
one Christadelphian, and one Christian Scientist; colored, thirteen Baptist, 
nine Methodist, two Christian, one Episcopal, one Unitarian. 

Four modern hospitals supplement the splendid Marine Hospital of the 
Government. So great has become the reputation of these resorts for the 
relief of the suffering, that patients from all parts of the country patronize 
them. 

There are also eight or nine asylums of different kinds. 

The Carnegie Library, but lately finished, fills the full measure of the 
public's desires in that line. 



The Jamestown Exposition. 

The eyes of the country and of the world, will, during the next two 
years, be directed to Norfolk, Hampton Roads and its cities on account of 
the unique celebration of the Jamestown Exposition, arranged to begin on 
the 13th day of May, 1907, and to be held near Norfolk, commemorating the 
three hundredth anniversary of the first English settlement on the North 
American continent, at Jamestown. Extensive preparations have been 
going on for more. than two years. In its incipiency $1,000,000 of stock was 
taken, largely rri Norfolk and the other near by cities and localities. The 
State of Virginia subscribed $300,000, with which to furnish a great ex- 
hibit of her varied resources, with the necessary buildings, including a suit- 
able Virginia homes- in which to entertain her own people and the repre- 
sentatives of -foreign nations. Many of our sister governments have 
heartily accepted, the invitation to attend, which was extended by the Presi- 
dent of the United States and presented in person by the Hon. St. G. Tucker, 
president of the Exposition Company, who last year visited these foreign 
courts for that purpose, and was everywhere gracefully and cordially re- 
ceived. 

It is not the province of this work to give a detailed program of what 
is proposed in connection with the Jamestown celebration, but as it is to 
be a great event in the history of Virginia of today, and virtually a part of 
that of Norfolk, to which this chapter is appropriated, it is important to 
note, in the words of another writer, the following: 

"Commanding a view of 160 square miles of protected harbor-wa.y, the 
Jamestown Exposition will consist largely of a naval and marine show. 
Upon these historic waters the first battle of iron-clads was fought, and 



269 

upon these waters the purpose is to hold the greatest rendezvous of mod- 
ern iron-clads. Here the combined navies of the world can be harbored, 
and leave room for myriads of merchant craft and pleasure boats. 

"At anchor will ride the exact reproduction of the three ships which 
brought the colonists — the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Dis- 
covery. 

"The showing of boats in different eras, in juxtaposition will give the 
best possible opportunity of tracing naval marine development. 

"Ihis will doubtless constitute the greatest naval show that the world 
has ever seen as the chiefs of the Navy Department, the Admiral and the 
Secretary of the Navy have signified their cordial sympathy with the Ex- 
position movement, and the great powers of the world will send their finest 
and largest ships and heavy detachments of troops, which, in addition to 
the United States navy and large details from eveiy branch of the army, 
will make up a magnificent naval as well as martial display upon the wide 
waters and ample grounds of the Exposition. 

Many States North and South have made generous appropriations for 
the erection of State buildings and the collection and display of exhibits 
illustrating their resources, and Congress has appropriated a large sum 
with which to meet the necessary outlay, which is contemplated in con- 
nection with the celebration of an event of so much importance in the 
history of the country, and which must attract millions of people from 
the United States and other lands. 



PETERSBURG. 

Petersburg, situated in the county of Dinwiddie, founded in 1733, and 
incorporated in 1784, was named for Peter Jones, its founder. It is very 
favorably and delightfully situated at the head of navigation on the Ap- 
pomattox river, 12 miles southwest of its confluence with the James at 
City Point, 22 miles south from. Richmond; 81 miles northwest from Nor- 
folk; 63 miles north from Weldon, N. C, and 138 miles south from Wash- 
ington City. The city proper is in Dinwiddie county, though it has popu- 
lous suburbs extending into two* other counties ( Blandf ord in Prince George 
and Pocahontas in Chesterfield). 

It is an active, thriving place, well supplied with all modern con- 
veniences and improvements. The streets are well paved with vitrified 
brick and sheet asphalt, a large amount having been recently expended in 
this line of improvement. The city is lighted by gas and electricity, and 
owns its own water works, which furnish an abundant supply of fine water 
from springs and rivulets in the neighborhood, carefully protected by law. 

The commercial bodies are the Chamber of Commerce and Young Men's 
Business Association, the Petersburg Club, the Bicycle Club, and the Appo- 
mattox Boat Club, the latter being the oldest of its kind in the State, and 
noted for its hospitality. 

All the religious denominations are represented in Petersburg, and many 
stately and beautiful edifices adorn its streets. The combined membership 
of the churches aggregate over one-half of the city's population. There are 
several fine libraries which are largely patronized. The Masons, Odd Fel- 
lows and Red Men own fine properties. 

The educational advantages of the city are of the highest order. The 
municipality sets aside $24,000 annually for the use of the School Bo-ird. 
The public schools are admirably managed, with abundant accommodations 
for the entire school population. The races, of course, are educated sep- 
arately. There is a high school for the blacks as well as the whites. The 
colored youth of the State of both sexes have the additional advantages of 



270 

the Virginia Mormal and Industrial Institute, a State institution founded 
in 1882 and erected at a cost of $150,000, for the higher education of the 
colored youth of the State, with special reference to the training of teachers. 
This institution has 485 students, State annuity $15,000. There are 11 
private schools and academies of high grade, which prepares young men and 
women for college. One of these, the Southern Female College, was founded 
long anterior to the war, and is one of the best female colleges in the South. 
It has 150 students, an able staff of instructors and thorough course 
of study. Another high grade school is the Petersburg Academy, Prin- 
cipals Hall and Arrington, the successor to the University School of Capt. 
W. Gordon McCabe. St. Joseph's School is conducted by the Sisters of 
Charity. It has a large patronage. The Central State Hospital for colored 
insane is located in the suburbs of the city. 

Petersburg has three very prosperous banks, doing a large business, 
with stock far above par, and paying handsome dividends. The city has 
excellent telephone service and ten miles of street railway, thoroughly 
equipped, and car shed costing $30,000. A great deal of attention has been 
given in recent years to local improvements. Numerous new buildings have 
been erected, and a marked change has been wrought in the appearance of 
the city. It has two beautiful parks abundantly supplied with pure water, 
and adorned with lakes, flowers, and beautiful shade trees. The National 
Government has two large cemeteries near Petersburg, where rest the re- 
mains of some 12,000 or 15,000 soldiers of the Union army who fell around 
the city. One of these is in this county and the other at City Point. In 
Blandford cemetery, in this city, are gathered the remains of about 15,- 
000 Confederate soldiers whose graves are tenderly cared for by the Ladies' 
Memorial Association. 

Petersburg is not only an active business place, but a beautiful and 
delightful residential city. On many streets are stately mansions that 
would attract attention anywhere. There are no gambling dens, Sunday 
law is strictly enforced, and. it enjoys the reputation of being a quiet and 
orderly community. Though the negroes constitute about one-half of the 
population, they are as a class industrious, peaceable and steadily em- 
ployed, and many of them have accumulated property. 

The transportation facilities of Petersburg are extensive, furnishing com- 
munication by rail and water with all parts of the country. It is es- 
pecially important as a railroad center, being the junction point of three 
great trunk line railroads ■ — the Seaboard Air Line railway, the Atlantic 
Coast Line, and the Norfolk & Western. The Seaboard Air Line has 
through service from New York to Tampa and Atlanta, opening up a 
system embracing 3,000 miles of track. The Atlantic Coast Line passes 
along the border of the county for ten miles, and is a north and south 
line, connecting the great Pennsylvania system of the north with the Plant 
system of the south, forming a through route to Florida. This road has 
large depot buildings and machine shops in the city. The Norfolk and 
Western passes through the northern portion of the county for a distance 
of 30 miles, and is an east and west line, beginning at Norfolk, passing 
through Petersburg, Southside, Southwest Virginia, and West Virginia to 
Columbus, Ohio. It has handsome depot buildings and large machine 
shops in the city, and a branch road to City Point, on the James. 

In addition to these transportation facilities, Petersburg has a profitable 
commerce by navigation, by canal and river, for 80 miles west of the city, 
and by the Appomattox and James rivers eastward to the sea. The ton- 
nage of this port is 200,000 tons annually, and value of freight $1,500,000. 
Petersburg offers very superior advantages for productive industries in its 
excellent facilities for transportation, cheap and desirable sites, and 



271 

especially in the extraordinary resources of its available water power — 
not one-half of which is utilized. Thisjower is furnished by the Appo- 
mattox river and by canals within and without the city for a distance of 
many miles. 

Two large granite quarries are operated near the city and the product is 
being used by the government in the erection of seawalls; it is also 
largely in demand for street paving, building purposes, and for monu- 
ments and tombs. 

Petersburg has an extensive lumber business, owing to the large quanti- 
ties of fine timber in this and the adjacent counties of Brunswick and 
Mecklenburg. 

Petersburg is a notable manufacturing center. Statistics of the city's 
business interests, and progress, give the number of manufacturing estab- 
lishments as 290; persons employed 6,000; wages paid annually $1,750,003; 
value of material used $5,500,000, product $11,000,000, and indications of 
constant, and substantial increase from year to year. The most important 
lines of manufacture are those of tobacco, cotton, and peanuts, with many 
others following close in point of magnitude, and value. Petersburg is 
one cf the oldest tobacco markets in the State, beginning its history as such 
in the colonial days. The section contiguous, embracing the counties of 
Dinwiddie, Brunswick, Amelia, Lunenburg, Prince Edward, Charlotte, 
Mecklenburg, etc., is famous for the quality, and flavor of its tobacco, and 
for export purposes it is very superior. It has the largest export tobacco 
manufactures in the United States, producing 8,000,000 pounds (valued 
at $1,700,000) of the total 10,000,000 pounds of plug tobacco exported from 
the United States. There are also several large factories devoted exclu- 
sively to the manufacture of tobacco for the domestic trade. The capacity 
of the warehouses of the city, is about 12,000 hogsheads, and the total 
number of persons employed in all branches of the tobacco trade is about 
3,500, whose wages aggregate $550,000. 

The cotton manufacturing business is also one of the most important 
industries of the city. There are located here five large cotton factories 
in active operation, running on full time, and using the greater part of 
the 10,000 bales received in the city, a large portion of which is of Virginia 
growth received from the adjacent counties. Osnaburgs, sheetings, duck 
and yarns are the principle varieties of goods manufactured, much of which is 
exported to China, Central America and other points. The capital 
employed in these mills is about $600,000; hands employed 750; number 
of spindles 30,000; looms 590; manufacturing annually 11,000,000 yards of 
cloth, and 100,000 pounds yarn, and sewing thread. The annual value of 
the product exceeds $700,000. 

Petersburg also claims pre-eminence in the peanut trade of the country, 
and dominates to a considerable extent the markets in this commodity. The 
peanut fields begin almost at the city line, stretching away through the 
rich belt of counties to the east, and south down through the Carolinas. 
Estimates place the Virginia crop at 650,000 sacks of four bushels each. 

A large quantity of these nuts are handled in Petersburg where there are 
five large factories, in which the uncleaned nuts are cleaned, assorted, 
polished and sometimes shelled for the markets of the country. The capital 
invested in these plants is about $100,000; hands employed 300; annual 
wages paid $60,000; annual output 1,800,000 bushels; value of output $2,- 
500,000, and independent commission dealings $300,000. 

Another extensive industry is the manufacture of trunks and valises. 
Four immense factories are engaged in this business, one of them the largest 
in the world, representing alone an investment of over $100,000, and giving 
employment to 300 or 400 hands consuming 2,000,000 feet of lumber an- 
nually, turning out 150,000 trunks, and 12,000 dozen hand bags., and 



272 



valises and covers, and sending their products to nearly every city and town 
in the Union, and to Central America, and West Indies. The daily output 
of all these factories is 1,200 trunks and 1,500 traveling bags. Petersburg 
is well supplied with corn meal and flour mills whose output is widely 
distributed through Virginia and the Carolinas. Of these there are four 
corn mills with an output of 1,000,000 bushels of meal; and one flour mill 
producing 40,000 barrels of flour annually. 

Silk mills of large capacity and output is another industry of import- 
ance, employing about 500 hands. The bark, sumac and extract works 
located here give employment to- hundreds of people in town and county, 
and have a product of five or six thousand tons of ground bark, and 
6,000,000 pounds of ground sumac leaves. The manufacture of fruit 
baskets and crates is a large enterprise, in which are utilized 1,000 cords of 
poplar and gum logs, and over 1,000,000 feet of sawed lumber annually. 

Among the new industries in the city is a ship yard, not only building 
vessels, but making the engines, boilers, etc. There are four foundries and 
machine shops running on full time, and turning out the highest grade of 
work. 

It will be a surprise to many to learn that in Petersburg was made much 
of the shot and shell used in the Spanish War, including some of the 
largest and most destructive projectiles. There are also extensive fireworks 
factories doing a very large business. The lumber shipped, aggregating 
50,000,000 feet per year, is valued at $400,000. There are four planing 
mills in the city, doing a business of about $250,000, one barrel-head 
factory, and two large ice factories with a daily capacity of forty tons. 

Many other manufacturing enterprises of less magnitude might be cited. 
Prominent among these is a fertilizer factory which unloads from 100 to 
150 vessels per year, its capacity being 20,000 tons; a pants factory, which 
turns out 3,000 pairs a week; a hoisery factory; and a number of others 
for the manufacture of clothing, bags, hats, soap, candles, candy, snuff, 
canned goods, cigars, harness, paper boxes and wagons. The estimate of the 
city's jobbing business, combined with such retailings as cannot be separated 
from it, is about the equivalent of its manufactures, $11,000,000 — both 
together $22,000,000— to which add $5,000,000 for real estate, banking, rail- 
road and shipping and other miscellaneous lines, and sums up $27,000,000. 
The principal jobbing lines are groceries and provisions, dry goods, clothing 
boots and shoes, this line alone amounting to more than $1,500,000. 

Its building improvements will reach $300,000 a year, such investments 
realizing from eight to ten per cent., and the average annual increase in all 
branches of trade and manufacture in the city for the past few years has 
been fully twenty per cent., making it necessary with the jobbing houses to 
materially increase their traveling force. The business of the three banks 
has also kept pace with the growing business of the city, showing a general 
increase of twenty per cent, over previous years. 'Hie bonded debt of the 
city is $1,261,000, which was incurred in aid of public improvements, 
especially of railroads. The taxable values of the city, real and personal, 
are about $10,000,000, and the rate of taxation is $1.60 per $100 of value 
for the city, and 40 cents for the State. The annual income of the city 
from all sources is about $225,000, and the annual regular expenditures 
about $213,000. 

Rich as Petersburg is in other respects it is no less so in historical 
interest. Splendid old colonial sites made historic, as the homes of patriots 
in the dark days preceding and following the birth of the nation, dot the 
surrounding country. To come nearer to the present, is the memory of the 
long and weary siege cf 1864-5, through which the devoted city passed; 
every day and every right, shot and shell from the Federal guns sweeping 
the town almost from end to end — a large portion of the city practically 



273 

deserted, and danger lurking on every hand, with houses ruined, property 
destroyed, and starvation almost in sight; but notwithstanding it all, the 
people were brave and patient and ready to sacrifice everything for the sake 
of honor, and their beloved south. The end came in 1865, and found the 
trade of the city practically destroyed, capital gone, and the people almost 
in poverty. But with that brave, hopeful and energetic spirit character- 
istic of them, she began to build anew, and very soon the Cockade City 
stood forth, herself again, and is today making great strides in the race 
of progress. 

Population of city, census of 1900, 21,810. Number of males 21 years 
and over 5,425. 



PORTSMOUTH. 

Portsmouth is located in Norfolk county, just across the river from Nor- 
folk city. 

The new Portsmouth of today is the vantage ground for industrial pur- 
suits, being the result of the many advantages possessed by this section. 
From a rail and water standpoint it is unexcelled for manufacturing pur- 
poses in nearly every line, due in a large measure to the inception and con- 
struction of the Portsmouth Belt Line railroad, an iron link of five miles 
connecting nine great radiating rail systems, besides innumerable subsidiary 
lines to points in the sounds of North Carolina and estuaries of the Chesa- 
peake bay, James, York and Nansemond rivers. These lines connect daily, 
tri-weekly and weekly with the leading markets of the country. The great 
rail systems, centering here, jointly own the Portsmouth Belt Line, and the 
especially attractive advantage to industries, seeking locations, is the 
that Portsmouth rates are applied to all car load freights shipped to and 
from industries reached by its tracks. 

Portsmouth is also particularly favored from the standpoint of water 
freights, enjoying as it does low rates from the west, south and southwest. 

Steam coal from the coal fields is abundant, reaching the city direct 
from the mines via the Norfolk and Western and Chesapeake and Ohio rail- 
ways. Pocahontas coal, considered the best for steaming purposes, sells 
for $2.65 per net ton, at times as low as $2.35 per gross ton, while great 
quantities of George's Creek coal, preferred by some, is also used. The 
manufacturing institutions are particularly blessed by being in such close 
proximity to two of the country's greatest coal distributing depots — the 
world famous Pocahontas coal piers and Chesapeake and Ohio coal piers. 

Skilled labor has been sufficient to meet all requirements thus far, but 
the introduction of new industries opens up new fields of employment, and 
experience teaches that labor will seek the opportunity to work where 
all living conditions are favorable to the wage earner. The markets are 
abundantly supplied with vegetables, fruits, meats, fish and oysters, and 
the prices are so reasonable as to make 1he ccst of living much cheaper tl an 
in less favored sections. It is said of the city "a man is poor indeed who 
wants for a sufficiency of good nutritious food at any season of the year," 
while rentals are very moderate, ranging from $5.00 to $25.00 per month 
according to location of residence. 

The public free school system of this city is unsurpassed, being modern 
and up-to-date with a large corps of experienced teachers while the oppor- 
tunities for religious training are equal to the best. 

The garden spot of the country is at the very doors of the city, and from 

the products of these lands, many fortunes have been made, raising early 

vegetables, berries and fruits, which are shipped in large quantities to New 

York, Boston, Baltimore, Washington and the western cities; this section 

IS 



275 

having the advantage of at least two weeks in point of early shipments over 
the raisers of similar garden products in Maryland and Delaware. It is 
estimated that the returns from this source for this part of the State will 
average $7,000,000 annually. The famous oyster beds of this section of the 
country are located in this vicinity from whence they are shipped to all 
points of the compass in great quantities and form small item of revenue. 
Hundreds are employed in this calling and thousands of dollars are paid 
out annually to those engaged in catching, shucking, and shipping them. 

One of the most infallible straws that show which way the wind of com- 
merce blows is reflected in the prosperity of the banks. There has been 
a steady increase in the growth of deposits and a commensurate increase 
in the earnings and surplus of these institutions during the past year 
which is the best indication of the prosperity of their customers. 

The mean annual temperature of the city is 59.5; the mean for spring 
being 65.6; summer 75.6; autumn 51.6 and winter 43.3. It is stated 
that Venice has a mean annual temperature of 56.7. The Gulf Stream runs 
nearer the shore off Cape Henry than at any other point on the Atlantic 
coast. 



RADFORD. 

The pretty little city of Radford enjoys the distinction of being higher 
above tidewater than any other city in Virginia, having an altitude of 
1,810 feet, one hundred feet higher even than Bristol, and is situated on the 
natural and extensive terraces, which rise from New river and located 
at the junction of the New river branch of the Norfolk and Western rail- 
road with its main line, in the midst of a fertile grazing section of 
country. It has an ideal location, with its twin city East Radford, 
with which it is connected by an extensive trolley line and a well-graded 
central street. They form a busy prosperous community with a combina- 
tion of interests helpful to both and constitute the largest place in the fine 
cou ty of Montgomery. The climate is all that could be desired. As an 
illustration of its healthfulness, it is stated that, in seven years Avith an 
average of 700 in the public schools, not a death has occurred and there has 
not been a seriously sick boy at the large St. Albans School since it was 
founded eleven years ago. 

Radford has ten churches, five public schools, a University preparatory 
school for boys, electric lights, and street railway, two ice plants, abundant 
water supply, a fertile surrounding country, unequaled scenery and ex- 
quisite sunsets. It is near the "Mountain Lake," "Crockett's," "Carper's 
Lithia" and other celebrated "springs," to which points, short and pleasant 
trips can be made. In fact, it is in the heart of the beautiful bluegrass 
region of Virginia, which has been a camping ground for health for quite 
an hundred years. 

There are two post offices, Radford and East Radford, a school population 
between the years of eight and twenty of 973 and a total population at 
the present time of over 4,000 souls. The census of 1900 showed 3.344, an 
increase since 1890 of 1,280. 

This city has surrounding it, a good farming and grazing section, while 
the timber and mineral fields still afford good opportunities to capital. 
Here are found a fine system of public schools, Belle Heth Academy in the 
eastward and Wadsworth Street School, in the westward. The special 
joint commission appointed by the General Assembly of Virginia for the 
purpose of selecting a site to establish a new State Female Normal School 
with industrial training, upon their last recorded rate to the Legislature 
recommended Radford, unanimously, as the best location for the school in 
southwest Virginia. Eleven churches representing all the principal denom- 



277 

ination, a telephone exchange, telegraph office, Southern Express, one 
weekly newspaper, two large and modern hotels, electric lighting stations 
for both commercial and municipal purposes, good sewerage system, fire 
department, electric cars, three banks with deposits of nearly one million 
dollars, are here. There are also nearly 100 retail establishments and 
wholesale jobbing houses, one of the largest cast iron pipe foundries in the 
south, two roller flouring mills, veneering plant, hickory woodworking 
plant, blast furnace, sand, lime, brick works, two lumber yards, railroad 
shops and round house, candy factory, two ice plants, cold storage plant, 
and bottling works. At this point are two fine new iron bridges across 
New river, and another one in contemplation, into Pulaski county, and 
many other improvements. There also is water at this point awaiting 
development, estimated at 150,000 horse power. The city maintains a 
Board of Trade with over one hundred members. 

The year of 1905 has been marked by a steady increase of business in 
Radford and considerable activity in building. One new industrial plant 
has been built — the Radford Milling Company — at a cost of about $7,000, 
and four large brick business blocks on Norwood Street, ranging in cost 
from $7,000 to $10,000. A number of new dwelling houses have also been 
built. 

Among the improvements to take place in the coming year, the most 
important are the enlargment of the iron furnace owned by the Virginia 
Iron and Coal Company, and the establishment of the general hospital of 
the Tidewater Road. The furnace has a very large output, but its capacity 
is to be almost doubled, and it is to be fitted with new machinery and 
equipments. 

Radford was chosen as the site for the new Tidewater Hospital because 
of its central position as a railroad town ; and the $20,000 hostelry, La 
Belle Inn, Avill be transformed into a high-class and thoroughly modern hos- 
pital, capable of accomodating 200 patients. 

The New River Sandstone and Brick Company has had a prosperous 
year, their business being twice as great as the preceding year. 

The Pipe Works have done the largest business in years. One million 
dollars' worth of pipe and castings was shipped during the last year. 

Radford has opened a new bank, "The Farmers and Merchants." 

Every business concern, including the mercantile firms and hotels, report 
a prosperous year, and the outlook for 1906 is even brighter. 



RICHMOND. 

Richmond, the capital of the Old Dominion, though by no means the 
largest, is yet perhaps the most widely known city in the Union. It has 
been historic since the days of its origin, when King Powhatan held his 
Indian court on one of its highest hills, to more recent years, when, as 
the capital of the Southern Confederacy, the contending armies of the north 
and south, led by the two greatest generals of the greatest conflict of 
modern times, one fighting to hold, the other to win it, fixed the attention 
and admiration of the waiting world; while inside the fortifications and 
outside the lines of the devoted city, men from every state and terri- 
tory of this great country and from almost every foreign land, joined in the 
combat. Since then, their sons and their grandsons have watched the 
rebuilding of the famous city and seen it rise upon its debris, an hundred 
times more glorious; have seen it extend its lines again and again, till the 
city and its immediate suburbs embrace a population of 125,000 souls and 
the smoke of hundreds of factories float above it; while the clatter of six 
great railways, as eighty passenger trains, daily, come and go, sound the 

19 



278 

notes of business, and the bustle of a thousand great stores and lesser 
shops keep busy throngs of people moving along its well paved streets and 
sidewalks. 

The elevation of Richmond above sea level is 96 feet, and she sits, not like 
old Rome on her seven hills, but on a dozen of them, rising from the north 
bank of the James river, ninety miles from the sea coast, affording sites for 
scores of fine and costly monuments and heroic figures of her and Virginia's 
illustrious statesmen and jurists and famous soldiers, which proclaim in 
enduring bronze and marble her noble history and the admiration and 
liberality of her affluent citizens. Richmond is pre-eminently the monu- 
ment city of the south and will rank with any in the north. It was 
founded by Colonel William Byrd in 1737. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The educational advantages of the city are such that the people may well 
take a just pride in them. There are twenty large school buildings, of 
which eight are for colored children. The total enrollment was 11,666 
February 1, 1906, of which 4,184 are colored. In addition are depart- 
ments for manual training and kindergarten. The standard of scholar- 
ship in the public and in the numerous private schools of the city is of the 
highest. 

A new high school for white children will be erected this year at a cost 
of $300,000. 

Richmond has two medical colleges which have no equals south of Balti- 
more — the Medical College of Virginia and the University College of Medi- 
cine. The leading Theological Seminary of the Southern Presbyterian 
Church is also here. 

Richmond College is one of the oldest and best institutions of learning in 
the South, under the auspices of the Baptist Church. 

One of the best Colored Theological Seminaries in the south is located 
here, and well equipped and taught. 

The claim of Richmond to the title of "The city of churches" of which 
every denomination is represented, is justified by the following statement 
as furnished by Mr. E. G. Leigh, President of Chamber of Commerce, Jan- 
uary, 1, 1906. 

No. of 
Churches. 

Baptist 16 

Christian 5 

Episcopal 14 

Methodist 15 

Presbyterian 8 

Lutheran 4 

Jewish 2 

Unitarian 1 

Apostolic 1 

Life and Advent Mission... 1 
Christian Science 1 

Total 68 

This statement does not include the Catholic churches, which were not 
presented, or the colored churches, many of which did not report and are 
estimated as follows: Twenty-six churches, of which there are twenty 
Baptist, five Methodist and one Presbyterian, making a total estimated 
membership of 18,000, contributions $31,250 and Sunday school pupils 
4,000. 



Member- 


Contribu- 


Sunday 


Pupils. 


ship. 


tions. 


Schools. 




9,148 


$88,056.78 


571 


6,465 


2,137 


18,799.62 


127 


1,046 


4,954 


122,097.50 


379 


3,244 


6,907 


91,931.99 


523 


4,608 


3,095 


44,869.73 


197 


2,008 


894 


6,167.50 


37 


337 


325 (families) 


14 


163 


50 


900.00 


5 


15 


200 




12 


125 


30 


200.00 


5 


20 


50 


600.00 


5 


18 


28,190 


$371,940.12 


1,875 


18,049 



279 

Adding the statistics of the colored churches to the white, and leaving out 
the Catholic, the following estimated figures will be reached: Number of 
churches, 96; total membership, 46,190; total contributions, $403,190.12, 
and total number of Sunday school pupils, 22,049. These data show a 
decided increase along the lines of membership, contributions and Sunday 
school attendance, as compared with the figures of 1904, given as follows. 
Church membership, 45,559; contributions, $369,863, and Sunday school 
attendance 21,266. 

The new Catholic Cathedral just completed at a cost of about half a 
million dollars is handsome and capacious and one of the finest church 
structures in the south. 

It is doubtful if any city in the country is better supplied with accommo- 
dation for the sick and afflicted in the way of hospitals, surgeons and attend- 
ants, as there are no less than eight hospitals in Richmond, furnished with 
equipments, the equal of any in the United 1 States, two of which are for 
colored people. 

HOTELS. 

The hotel accommodations are very superior, there being three or four 
large and handsome hotels and a number of smaller and well kept hostel- 
ries, which accommodate well the large and constantly increasing travel and 
winter visitors attracted to the city by its mild climate and accessibility to 
every section of the State and country, being immediately upon the line of 
the immense travel between the northern and southern cities. Popular 
and well equipped boarding houses by the hundred are also to be found 
in every quarter of the city, affording suitable temporary homes to every 
class of citizens. These facilities have given Richmond a reputation, far 
and wide, as a convention city. This reputation has been largely due to 
the Jefferson Hotel, one of the largest, handsomest and best equipped in the 
country, which was partially destroyed by fire several years ago, but is now 
restored on a larger and grander scale than ever before. 

POST OFFICE. 

Tne great increase in the Richmond post office is a positive index to the 
business development of the city. The receipts for 1905 amounted to $434,- 
943.34, exceeding those of the preceding year by $50,779.77, over 13 per 
cent. The sale of postage stamps, envelopes and postal cards amounted 
to $62,167.79, the sale of special request envelopes to $42,596.92, and news- 
paper and periodical postage to $18,945.21. The amount of domestic orders 
issued was $228,804, paid $923,897. A total of 53,571 letters and parcels 
were handled in the registry division. Nearly 175,000 pouches and sacks 
were received and over 220,000 were dispatched and a grand total of 49,- 
095,481 pieces of mail were handled. 

EAILEOADS. 

With the railroads the year has been one of imusual prosperity. Operat- 
ing expenses have increased slightly, but the gross earnings have advanced 
entirely out of proportion to the larger expense item. Railroad stocks 
generally are booming. The Chesapeake and Ohio, Southern, Norfolk and 
Western, Atlantic Coast Line and Seaboard Air Line stocks are all selling 
high. Passenger traffic and the tonnage handled have been greater than 
ever before. During the year 633,554 passengers left Richmond and 532,- 
341 arrived. The tonnage forwarded from Richmond amounted to 1,309,- 
675,775 pounds, and that received to 2,664,701,922 pounds. Extensive im- 
provements have been made by nearly all the roads, and are still being made. 
The new year, it is believed, will bring only greater prosperity to all the 
lines. 



281 



MANTJFACTTJBES 

A remarkable exhibit of the manufactures of Richmond is made in the 
United States census report of 1905, covering the five previous years' opera- 
tions from 1900. It shows that in that time the value of products, includ- 
ing custom work and repairing, had increased 28.2 per cent, from $23,048,- 
353, to $29,536,499; cost of material used 38.1 per cent, from $10,375,140 
to $14, 329,541; wages, 14.8 per cent, from $3,973,704 to $4,561,946; capital 
invested 100 per cent, from $16,203,927 to $32,402,847. It is very unusual 
for any large city to double, in five years, its capital invested in manu- 
facturing enterprises. 

In a work of this character, treating of a great manufacturing city, num- 
bering 282 plants, it is impossible to name them all. Only a few of the 
largest industries can be given, as conveying some idea of the size and im- 
portance of them ; such as the Richmond branch of the American Locomotive 
Works, which employs 2,700 men, with a monthly pay roll of $125,000; the 
Richmond Cedar Works, the largest in the world, 800 employees, with a 
monthly pay roll of $28,000 ; and the various Richmond plants of the Ameri- 
can Tobacco Company and the American Cigar Company, having about 
5,300 employees, with a monthly pay roll of $130,000. 

A very interesting statement, however, compiled by Mr. J. H. Whitty, 
classifying the varied products of Richmond's factories, with number of 
employees, amount of capital and annual sales, is given here: 

No. of No. of Capital in Annual 

Class, Article or Kind Plants. Hands Business. Sales. 

Beer, mineral waters, ice 14 316 8 487,500 $ 1,952,162 

Blacksmiths, wheelwrights 51 287 280,762 811,223 

Boots and shoes 164 1507 725,130 2,874.480 

Boxes, barrels, cooperage, paper, twine, tags, bags 22 1,931 775,000 3,280,401 

Bakers, yeast powder, spice mill, blueing 35 173 225,100 1,327,114 

Bricks, tile, marble, mantels, stone, glass 25 1,201 675,275 1,456,277 

Carpenters, contractors, builders 169 1,314 537,260 2,893,488 

Carriages, wagons, carts 27 262 293,625 542,809 

Clothing, men's, merchant tailors, shirts 72 389 350,750 827,634 

Clothing, women's dressmaking, millinery 153 316 95,250 414,293 

Confectionery 122 204 111.310 467,833 

Dyeing and cleaning 26 42 29,765 51,080 

Drugs, medicines, perfumery, meat juice 77 389 720,250 2,000,326 

Electrical, typewriters, locksmiths, wiremakers, 

bicycles, type 2 337 120,275 551,400 

Fertilizers, chemicals, cement, lime, grease, tallow 12 641 5,135,750 8,190,200 

Flour, corn, meal, pickles, flavorings 10 322 410,125 968,023 

Foundry, machine shops, agricultural imple- 
ments 36 7,839 4,550,260 9,081,800 

Furniture, mattresses, cabinet making, uphols- 
tery, picture frames 53 389 325,660 637,412 

Jewelers, hair workers 34 429 110,200 370,023 

Lumber, sash, doors, blinds 18 321 425,100 1,299,300 

Packers, curers, butchers, soap 123 640 550,2o0 2.380,100 

Painters, house and sign, varnish, paper hanging 45 135 32,500 137,006 
Plumbing and gas fitting, tin and coppersmith, 

sheet iron 7. !! 67 377 275,490 851,230 

Printing and publishing, book and job, bookbind- 
ing, blank-books, lithography, engraving 46 1,409 2,225,580 3,019,304 

Saddlery, harness, hides, leather 20 126 265,515 381,770 

Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, cheroots 40 5,207 2,560,250 5,895,750 

Tobacco, smoking, chewing, stemming and re- 
prizing :.. „. 25 4,960 3,775,800 13,506,209 

Woodenware, willow-ware, trunks, brooms, 

brushes 14 1,041 675,275 2,032,707 

Total 1,521 32,504 $26,875,007 868,201,354 

It will be seen from the above that Richmond must have a substantial 
claim to be the principal tobacco market in the country, as she has 65 
tobacco concerns, employing 10,167 hands, $6,336,050 capital engaged in the 
business, with sales amounting in 1905 to $19,401,959. The American 



283 

Tobacco Company does an enormous business here ; so do the nine independ- 
ent companies which last fiscal year had an output of 10,556,380 pounds. 

RICHMOND RETAIL TRADE. 

The retail business of the city has nearly doubled within the past five 
years. The stores in Richmond compare very favorably with the retail 
houses of much larger cities. 

Actual comparisons have proven that the department stores of Richmond, 
which are among the largest in the entire south, are equal in appointment 
and service to the leading stores of the north. The quality of merchandise 
demanded by the people of this city is equal to that of any city in the 
country, and it is the center of a large mail order trade from the surround- 
ing territory. 

BANKS AND FINANCES. 

In connection with what has been said regarding Richmond's manu- 
facturers and retail trade, it is pertinent to show the operations of her 
financial institutions, there being eighteen banks, a compilation of which is 
given below, furnished at the close of the year 1905 by Mr. W. M. Habliston, 
president of the National Bank of Virginia. 

The deposits show an increase over 1904 of $2,540,112, increase of assets 
$3,018,317, and of capital stock $106,275, with surplus and undivided pro- 
fits an increase of $204,298. 

The following bank statement for March 1906 is the latest given out: 

Surplus and Loans Total 
Capital. Undivided and Deposits. Re- 
Profits. Discounts. sources. 

First National Bank 8 600,000 $ 645,916 35 $ 5,350,351 47 8 4,821,389 96 $ 7,342,336 14 

Planters National Hank.. 300,000 948,373 27 4,275,473 12 4,273,548 68 6,034,056 75 

National Bank of Va 500,000 229,544 30 2,556,298 13 2,959,258 71 4,301,946 59 

Merchants National 200,000 780,007 36 2,264,439 46 3,643,795 99 4,834,103 35 

American Nationnl 400,000 123,392 52 2,239,089 35 3,046,903 82 4,002,347 70 

State Bank of Va 500,000 302,322 34 2,865,583 96 2,635,809 90 3,626,453 98 

City Bank of Richmond.. 400,000 163,828 44 1.402,122 03 1,291,913 03 1,855,94147 

Bank of Richmond 800,000 400,873 65 2i395,306 92 2,352,742 58 3,564,045 65 

Union Bank 219,750 340,845 37 1,751,488 56 1,632,385 15 2,193,12152 

Savings Bank of Richm'd 160,000 110,326 62 1,450,495 70 1,332,640 45 1,603,133 07 

Southern Interstate Bank 50,000 11,388 82 176,817 39 138,138 84 200,587 66 

Broad Street Bank 200,000 46,744 63 790,257 20 882,597 83 1,130,584 28 

Commerce and Trust 200,000 17,933 08 352,133 36 250,609 90 468,593 02 

Capital Savings 48,280 12,376 87 321,50150 314,536 23 376,953 10 

Virginia Trust Co 500,000 121,996 22 628,032 72 183,043 05 815,289 04 

Totals 85,078,030 84,255,871 84 828,819,380 75 829,900,310 92 842,353,493 42 

The above figures speak for themselves and are worthy of careful study. 
They show that Richmond is holding its own as a banking center with the 
leading cities of the country, and, population considered, stands at the very 
head of the list among Southern cities. 

The figures quoted are taken from the following comparative statement: 

ASSETS. 
Nov. 10, 1904. Nov. 9, 1905. Increase. Decrease. 

Loans and discounts 823,132,032 79 $26,403,891 28 83,271,858 49 

United States and other 

bonds 6,743,370 44 6,073,659 55 8669,710 89 

Banking houses and other 

real estate 750,066 03 816,973 50 66,907 47 

Cash, and due from banks 8,448,873 59 8,798,135 99 349,262 40 

Total assets $39,074,342 85 $42,092,660 32 *$3,018,317 47 



* Net increase. 



284 



LIABILITIES. 

Capital stoik $5,071,754 75 $5,178,030 00 $106,275 25 

Surplus and undivided pro- 
fits 4,018,605 63 4,222,904 41 204,298 78 

National bank notes out- 
standing... 1,822,400 00 1,918,400 00 96,000 00 

Bond account 919,900 00 843,531 25 $76,368 75 

Bills payable and redis- 
counts 2,000 00 150,000 00 148,000 00 

Deposits 27,239,682 47 29,779,794 66 2,540,112 19 

$39,074,342 85 142,092,660 32 



The only decrease in the statement is in bonds and stocks, which shows 
that the banks, to meet the commercial needs, have sold over $660,000 in 
bonds and stocks and loaned the money to their customers. 

The following table shows the remarkable growth in the last eight years : 

1897. 1905. Increase. 

United States deposits $ 181,329 95 $ 498,247 97 $ 316,918 02 

Bank deposits 937,505 07 7,700,18125 6,762 676 18 

Individual deposits 8,745,072 46 21,581,365 44 12,836,292 98 

Total deposits $ 9,863,907 48 $29,779,794 66 $19,915,887 18 

1897. 1905. 

Total assets $ 16,822,354 64 $42,092,660 32 $25,270,305 68 

There are also three prosperous banks, owned and controlled by colored 
citizens, which do a considerable local business among their own people. 

SUMMARY OF BUSINESS. 

What has been said may be summarized as follows: 

Richmond has $27,000,000 invested in manufacturing plants. The sales 
in 1905 were $70,000,000; an increase of more than seven million dollars 
over 1904. 

She has $10,500,000 invested in jobbing business. The sales in 1905 
were $55,000,000; an increase over 1904 of five million dollars. 

She stands fifth in the shoe market of the world. 

Her bank clearings in 1905 were $260,000,000; a gain of 8% per cent, 
over 1904. 

Her bank assets in 1905 were $42,000,000; in 1897 they were $17,000,000; 
a gain in eight years of about 250 per cent. 

Her post office receipts in 1905 were $435,000; a gain of 14 per cent, over 
1904. 

THE NEWSPAPERS. 

Richmond has three dailies — a morning and two evening papers. The 
first, the Times-Dispatch, with an average daily circulation of about 18,- 
000, and the oldest in the city, owns its own handsome five-story building. 
The News-Leader is an afternoon paper with a circulation of about 28,000 
and is published every day but Sunday. It also owns a fine new three- 
story building. The Evening Journal is also an afternoon paper just one 
year old, and has a circulation of about 12,000. They are all excellent 
journals, none better printed and edited or more devoted to the local 
interest of their city, of which they are invaluable exponents. 

It is^ impossible to present, in a book like this, a satisfactory statement 
of the immediate condition of progress in Richmond and some other rapidly 
growing cities of Virginia, as the improvements and new enterprises follow 
so rapidly one upon the other, that the report is materially changed 
between the time of writing ... it and the printing and issue of the book. 



285 



ROANOKE. 



The city of Roanoke, situated on the great through line of the Norfolk 
and Western railroad, one hundred and ninety-nine miles by rail, west from 
Richmond, is the chief city of Southwest Virginia. It is in the county of 
Roanoke 907 feet above sea level, and being at the head of the Valley of 
Virginia has a good claim to be the gateway and the leading city of both 
these great natural divisions of Virginia. It is convenient by rail to both 
sections, the main line of the Norfolk and Western running through the 
southwest 151 miles to Bristol, Va., and north 239 miles through the Val- 
ley to the Potomac, thus reaching all the cities and larger towns of both, 
with which it maintains large and profitable business relations. The Nor- 
folk and Western also places the city in direct communication with Lynch- 
burg, 53 miles east, and Norfolk 257 miles; while another branch of 
the same tr unk line carries Roanoke's business south through the State to 
Winston-Salem, N. C, and southern points. The new Tidewater railroad 
now building from Deep Water, W. V., to Norfolk, passes through Roanoke, 
and furnishes the "Magic City," as it is called, another great railroad from 
Chesapeake bay to the Ohio river. It is a modern, up-to-date, well paved, 
well watered city, possessing all the conveniences to be furnished by elec- 
tricity and water power. 

Its twenty-seven churches embrace every leading religious denomination, 
<tnd have handsome and commodious houses of worship. There are also 
handsome city and railroad Y. M. C. A. buildings, an orphan asylum, and a 
home for the sick. The educational advantages of Roanoke (in character 
and extent) are not surpassed by any other town of its size in the State, 
attracting large patronage from other sections. Besides its splendid pub- 
lic school system, supplied with six handsome and commodious school build- 
ings and equipped with every modern appliance, there is the Virginia Col- 
lege, a flourishing female institution; the Business College, and other 
schools of a private character. 

The enterprise, culture, educational and social advantages of Roanoke 
render it a most desirable and attractive residential town; and as a com" 
mericial metropolis, it ranks with the best of the inland towns of the 
State. Roanoke has many extensive and valuable industries, the most 
important of which are the Norfolk and Western machine shops, for the 
manufacture and repair of rolling stock, the largest and finest locomotives 
and passenger coaches. These shops now employ 2,300 men, an extensive 
addition being built, which will increase the working force to at least 3,800. 
The total number of men now employed in the Roanoke shops of the Nor- 
folk and Western Railway Company, the extensive general offices and yards, 
including the trainmen and enginemen who have their homes in the city, 
is, according to the secretary of the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce, about 
4,700, and the aggregate amount of money paid to these employees monthly 
is $256,000. 

There are also employed by other industries in the city fully 1,500 men, 
with an average monthly pay roll of over $75,000 more. These figures do 
not include the employees of the various wholesale and retail mercantile 
houses nor the large force engaged now in construction of vajnious 
kinds. 

Among the principal industries of the city which attract the attention of 
the interested visitor are the Stone Printing and Manufacturing Company, 
one of the largest plants of the kind in the South; Fishburne Smoking 
Tobacco Factory; West End Furnace; American Iron Company; a Penn- 
sylvania Corporation; Roanoke Elevator and Milling Company, capacity 
325 barrels of flour per day; Twin Furnaces of the Virginia Iron, Coal and 
Coke Company; Roanoke Cotton Mill, Virginia Brewing Company and Cold 
Storage Plant; Blue Ridge Overalls Company; planing mills; knitting 
20 



287 

mill; sash, door and blind factories; Exchange Lumber Company; Virginia 
Lumber Manufacturing Company; Hammond Printing Works; fertilizer 
factory; barrel and stave factory; Rockhill Foundry and Machine Shops; 
Roanoke Boiler and Sheet Iron Repair Shop; candy factory, and one of the 
largest manufacturers and shippers of marble and granite monuments in 
the south; also the Roanoke Clay Manufacturing Company, near the city; 
the Randolph Market Company; Southern Chemical Fertilizer Company, 
and Virginia Bridge and Iron Company, the largest of the kind in the 
south. 

The department of commerce and labor at Washington reports that in 
1900 Roanoke had 38 establishments employing a capital of $1,915,647. 
She had, in 1905, 54 establishments employing a capital of $2,656,626. 
Wage earners had increased 27 per cent, from 2,431 to 3,089, and wages 37 
per cent, from $1,106,948 to $1,525,963. The large, almost palatial, whole- 
sale and retail stores and other handsome business houses and the numerous 
handsome banks and other public buildings, to say nothing of many beau- 
tiful, private residences, can not be specified in a work of this character. 
They are equal in style and appearance to these of our larger cities, and the 
pretty well appointed post office shows yearly a large increase of business. 
The hotel accommodations are exceptional. There are five comfortable and ' 
well equipped hotels, some of them luxurious in their appointments, which 
invite much travel and many large conventions and religious gatherings. 

The electric street car system is very complete and reaches beyond the 
corporate limits to Salem, six miles, and to Vinton two miles. Five mil- 
lion gallons daily of sparkling water gushes from a single spring, at the 
foot of Mill mountain, and is distributed all over the city. Sewerage is 
good, the air is pure, aid climate as healthful as an altitude of 1,000 feet 
among the Blue Ridge mountains would be expected to furnish, while a 
very fertile adjacent country supplies an abundance of farm and dairy 
products, fruits, fowls and vegetables. 

With three such daily newspapers as the Times, Evening World, and 
Evening Neios, and a live Chamber of Commerce, to put all of Roanoke's 
advantages before the public, and keep them there; and with its finances 
managed and fostered by six excellent banks, with combined resources of 
$3,729,065 and net suplus of $384,571, it is not surprising that the city 
chartered in 1884 with a population of five thousand has forged constantly 
ahead. 

The immense dam, in course of construction by the Roanoke Water Power 
Company at a point on the Roanoke river, about four miles east of the 
city, is nearly completed. The height of this dam is 48 feet at the gates, 
giving a fall of water of 64 feet at the power house. It is estimated that 
about three thousand horse-power can be generated at this plant, and the 
company is in position to furnish electrical power for manufacturing pur- 
poses, and will complete its lines to the city and be in readiness to furnish 
power and light for the residents of Roanoke by July 1st, 1906. 

The census of 1900 gave Roanoke a population of 21,495, the city census, 
taken in January 1904, showed 26,443 and it is estimated that the popula- 
tion May 1st, 1906, closely approximates, if it does not reach, 30,000 
over 700 dwellings having been erected in the two years of 1904-05. 



STAUNTON. 

The city of Staunton, the county seat of Augusta, which, according to the 
census of 1900 is the largest county in area in Virginia, is the leading city 
of the Shenandoah valley, being the only city of the first cla?s in this great 



.... 
TawST 




289 

valley, Raving been advanced to that dignity by the legislature of 1906, as 
the local census taken in 1905 showed a population of 11,330. 

Being one of the oldest cities of the commonwealth, incorporated in 1748, 
by the General Assembly of Virginia, it has an interesting chapter of its 
history connected Avith the Revolutionary War. On June 4, 1781, the Legis- 
lature of Virginia, which had been driven out of Richmond in January, by 
the traitor Benedict Arnold, took refuge in Charlottesville, and, on the 
approach of Col. Tarleton of the Royalists troops, adjourned to meet in 
Staunton June 7th. It met on that date in the Episcopal Church and sub- 
sequently elected a governor, Thomas Nelson, Jr., and a delegation to Con- 
gress, headed by James Madison. Her history in connection also with the 
Mexican war, whose veterans were among the last and most gallant survi- 
vors, the war of 1812, that of the war between the States and the Spanish 
war, has been most honorable, in all of which conflicts her sons, to an 
unusual number, fell gloriously on the field of battle, fighting for their 
native State or survived, beloved and honored. 

The city was named in honor of Lady Staunton, the wife of Governor 
Gooch, and is beautifully situated among the hills of "West Augusta," made 
historic by the boast of Washington that there, if necessary, he would make 
his last stand against the armies of King George. 

It has long been the seat of two great Virginia public institutions, the 
Western State Hospital for the Insane, Avith its twelve hundred patients 
and attendants, and the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, having 
two hundred and seventy pupils, teachers and employees. It is also pre- 
eminently an educational center, its reputation in that regard being 
national, based upon the successful establishment within her midst of four 
large schools, two male and two female, which draw their patronage from 
well nigh every State in the Union — the Mary Baldwin Female Seminary, 
Virginia Female Institute, Staunton Male Academy and Dunsmore Business 
College, with a total of about one thousand students. The buildings of each 
of these institutions are capacious and handsome, and their principals and 
faculty are men and women of ~ learning and ability. Besides these the 
public schools are furnished with two large and modern buildings, for white 
and colored separately, and are Avell equipped and conducted, affording 
instruction for one thousand or more of the city's youth; also there is no 
lack of good private schools for both sexes. 

The number of churches is unusually large, nineteen in all, including three 
chapels, the auditorium and five colored churches with a total membership 
of over six thousand, about one-half of the people being church members, 
white and colored, while five of the church edifices are new buildings, 
and all of them, with one or two exceptions, very handsome. The 
Young Men's Christian Association owns a pretty and expensive build- 
ing, which is perfectly equipped and well patronized, with a large and help- 
ful Ladies' Auxiliary. The new Kings Daughters Hospital is a humane 
institution invaluable to the city and county. Staunton is notably a 
church-going people and a moral and cultivated community. There are 
four strong banks, one of them, the National Valley, ranking with the 
oldest and strongest financial institutions in Virginia. The others are the 
Augusta National, Farmers and Merchants, and Staunton National. The 
latest and best improvement in Staunton- is the new Chesapeake and Ohio 
depot, just completed, at a cost of some $60,000. It is 125 feet long by 40 
feet wide, of white pressed brick, heated with steam, and lighted with both 
gas and electricity. There is a covered train shed, curved with the track, 
650 feet long and enclosed by a six-foot iron fence. It is stated, on rail- 
road authority that more tickets are sold at Staunton than at any point on 
the road between Richmond and Cincinnati. Another noted improvement 



290 

in the city is the Augusta county building, recently completed, opposite 
the new and handsome court house. It is a pretty three-story brick, and 
cost twenty-two thousand dollars. 

Since the completion of two large new hotels this year, near the depot, 
Staunton is well supplied with accommodations for the traveling public, 
having six good hotels and several fashionable boarding houses, all of 
which are necessary to accommodate the large and increasing demand of 
summer visitors, who divide their time, in the vacation season, between this 
place and the near by or convenient mineral springs from the Stribling 
and Mount Elliott springs, in the county, to the famous White Sulphur, 
ninety-six miles distant. Of these there are eight or ten widalv known 
mountain resorts within three hours of Staunton, which itself has an 
altitude of 1,500 feet, and is crowded with summer visitors every season. 
There are five live newspapers of which two — a morning and evening — are 
dailies, besides three published at the institutions of the city. 

Although Staunton has special reputation as an educational and society 
city, there are a number of flourishing manufactories, the chief of which 
may be named as Putnam's Organ Factory; Virginia-Carolina Chemical 
Company; Bell's Barrel Factory; Stockton and Bros.' Iron Works; Hard- 
wood Lumber Company; Reinhart and Swartzell's Foundry, Hardy's 
Carriage Factory; Partlow's Wagon Works; Larner and Smith's; Palmer 
Building Blocks ; Glenn and Crawford's Ice Factory ; Clem Brothers' Ice 
Factory and an overall factory, and the large White Star Roller Mills — 
two plants — making it a fine wheat and flour market. 

Staunton is located on the great Valley pike, one of the finest macadam- 
ized roads in the State. The Parkersburg pike, the old stage line leading 
from Staunton west, into the fertile valleys of Highland and on into West 
Virginia, is an excellent mountain road and another valuable feeder to 
Staunton trade, which is disproportionately large for its population, on 
account of the thousands of non-producers in the school and State institu- 
tions there, who must be clothed and fed while they do not compete with 
labor. Hence there are an unusual number of fine dry goods, shoe, clothing, 
jewelery, drug, grocery and book stores, for a city of its size, and an air of 
business activity is the normal condition of its thoroughfares, which lead 
into a rich adjacent farming country. The hills and shaded streets furnish 
pretty sites for handsome residences, of which, there are not a few, many 
of them recently built, and while proud of her historic p ist the people of the 
"Queen City," of the Valley are actively alive to her present, and bravely 
planning for a still more prosperous future. 



WILLIAMSBURG. 

The city of Williamsburg, like many of the old towns of Virginia, has, 
of recent years, "come out of the wilderness," and come out faster than 
most of them. The oldest town of the oldest State in the Union, its his- 
tory is linked with the history of the country, and while the past is 
interesting the present is profitable reading. It is located on a ridge 
midway between the James and York rivers, known in colonial times as 
the Middle Plantation. The acts passed for its settlement were in 1P32 and 
1633. In 1644, upon the petition of the inhabitants of Middle Plantation, 
Parish and Harris Parish, the two were incorporated into Middletown 
Parish. 

After the State House at Jamestown was burned, an act directing the 
building of the capitol and city of Williamsburg was passed in 1699, and 
the seat of government removed from Jamestown to Williamsburg, and the 



291 

General Assembly met in "His Majesties' Boyall College of William and 
Mary," until October 1705, when it met for the first time in the new capitol. 
The capitol building opposite the college was burned in 1746, and having 
been rebuilt, was burned again in 1832 and a female seminary built upon 
the site. The palace of the governor of the colony was situated on Palace 
Green, the site now occupied by a school, the property of William and 
Mary College. 

A magazine was erected in 1714, which long known as "the powder horn," 
was falling into ruins, when it was repaired by the Society for the Preser- 
vation of Virginia Antiquities, and is now used as a museum, and viewed 
with much interest by visitors. The beautiful old church, Bruton, with 
tombs more than two hundred years old ; the former residence of Chancellor 
Wythe; the headquarters of Washington, in 1787; the house where La- 
fayette was intertained during his last visit to America — all are points of 
interest in the old Williamsburg. 

The contrast with the new is striking, and in this era of progress still 
more interesting as follows : 

The Peninsula Bank, organized in April 1897, with a capitol of $10,000, 
has now a capital of $30,000 with a surplus fund in excess of its capital. 
The deposits are over $300,000. The Banking Company of L. L. Dirrickson. 
Jr., with main office on Chincoteague Island, Accomac county, has a branch 
in Williamsburg, established in 1904, which also does a good business. 
Each bank has a substantial brick building in the center of the town. 

The census of 1900 gives 2,044, as the population. It is conservative to 
say there has been an increase of 25 per cent, since the census was taken, 
and nothing short of 3,000 is expected to be the figure in 1910. 

The principal industrial establishment is that of the Williamsburg Knit 
ting Mill Company, which has 160 employees, male and female. This con- 
cern is capitalized at $80,000 and shipped men's winter underwear to the 
amount of $200,000 in 1905, consignments going chiefly to the large cities 
of the middle western United States, and the cities on the eastern coast 
of the country. The demand for the product is always far in excess of the 
supply, so the production has to be greatly increased each year. This con- 
cern paid out $40,000 in wages in 1905. 

There are a number of saw mills near Williamsburg, which find their way 
to market through the city and whose employees live there. The largest of 
these is the permanent and modernly equipped plant of Bozarth Bros, 
which turns out all kinds of rough lumber and finished products in wood. 

The Galba Vaiden Ice Factory supplies the city and adjoining counties 
with its product. 

The Williamsburg Warehousing Company has a fireproof brick ware- 
house for public storage. This was built in 1906. 

The public schools of the city are of a very high grade, and the amount 
spent by the municipality is 25 per cent, larger than that spent by any 
place of approximately the same size in the State. The primary grades, 
to which a modern kindergarten is attached, are managed in conjunction 
with the college as a model school, only highly trained and well paid 
teachers being employed, and the methods and equipment are on a par with 
those of the very best and most modern city system in the United States. 

William and Mary College, antedating Harvard in all respects except 
the actual date of its charter (1619), is too well known to be described. 
Its history is the history of the United States and Virginia, and it claims 
among its alumni such men as Presidents Jefferson, Monroe and Tyler, 
Chief Justice Marshall, Gen Winfield Scott, besides a host of others. 

Its present is less well known than its past, but the facts are that with its 
roll of 250 students (1905-06) it is the largest college in Virginia, outside 



292 

of the technical and professional schools. It is a high grade college and its 
students take high rank at the largest universities of the country. It has 
an appropriation of $25,000.00 from the State in return for which it main- 
tains a high grade normal college and practice school. 

As a commercial asset, ft brings about an expenditure of about $50,000 to 
$60,000 per annum to the city. 

The Eastern State Hospital (for the insane), the oldest in the United 
States, can not be classed under the heads just considered, but its 70G| 
patients and 100 employees constitute a distinctly valuable commercial 
asset of the city in that their care and maintenance being about the 
expenditure of $80,000 per annum, a portion of which Williamsburg gets 
the benefits of. 

Two weekly newspapers flourish here, the Old Virginia Gazette, estab- 
lished in 1730, and the Williamsburg Sun, established in 1906, one hundred 
and seventy years later. 

Williamsburg, long regarded as the private domain of students of his- 
torical antiquities, has become, within the past few years, one of the most 
thriving and growing places in Virginia. 



WINCHESTER. 

Winchester, the county seat of Frederick, is situated in the eastern part 
of the county, and has a population, by census of 1900, of 5,161. It is 
the recognized metropolis of one of the richest sections of the State and is 
a delightful and healthful little city with an altitude above tidewater of 
717 feet. Its people have ever been noted for their Old Virginia hospitality, 
and superior educational and social attainments, and in business matters 
are enterprising and public-spirited. The city has electric lights and gas, 
and is abundantly supplied with pure spring water. The streets are well 
macadamized, several of them paved with vitrified brick. 

There are few cities in Virginia accessible by as many and as good roads, 
there being five excellent macadamized pikes leading out of the city in as 
many different directions into a farming section of rare fertility, and on to 
such central points as Staunton, Va. ; Martinsburg, Eomney, and Morefield, 
West Virginia; Berryville and Alexandria; through the great agricultural 
county of Loudoun and on to Front Royal. The Baltimore and Ohio rail- 
road, up and down the great Valley, and the Cumberland Valley going north- 
west into West Virginia and Maryland, via Martinsburg, furnish all needed 
railway facilities. 

Winchester's manufactures are varied and flourishing, among which 
gloves are notably prominent and widely known, made by three large 
factories, William O. Graichen, Fred A. Grachien and Sister, and Anderson 
and Son, and shipped to principal points north and south, a woolen mill, 
knitting factory, several building and brick and cabinet making firms, steam 
and water flouring mills, and other flourishing industries. 

The merchants are live and progressive and deal in every line of goods 
demanded by the fashionable, the affluent or the working people of any good 
city, and the business houses, wholesale and retail, are large and handsome. 
The banks are the Shenandoah Valley, Union, and Farmers and Merchants 
National, and some of the bank buildings are unusually elegant. Win- 
chester is well equipped for the education of its youth, having 600 pupils 
in the white and 160 in the colored public schools, which stand high, also 
two superior female seminaries, and two private schools of high standing. 
All of the leading religious denominations are represented in the fourteen 



293 

chinches, of which four are colored, and several of them have fine church 
buildings, a very large proportion of the population being church members 
and churchgoers. 

The hotel accommodations are ample for the traveling public and they are 
generally full, especially in the summer, when there is an influx of visitors 
unusual for a city of its size, many being brought here by its reputation 
as a pleasant health-restoring summering place. 

The historical interest attaching to Winchester is remarkable, dating 
back to the time of Washington, who built here the first fort west of the 
Blue Ridge. It first became a chartered town in 1852, and eight years 
after, in the beginning of the war between the States, it was occupied by 
Stonewall Jackson, who there established the base of his operations, from 
which time, during the whole four years of the bloody conflict that fol- 
lowed, it was famous as the center of contending armies. It was taken and 
retaken, occupied and reoccupied, changing hands more than two score 
times. Some fierce engagements took place in its very streets and several 
great battles were fought around it, so near that shot and shell ploughed 
up its pavements and battered its houses. The change that forty years have 
wrought is most striking. Two large beautiful and well kept cemeteries, 
one for the Confederate dead, the other for the Federal, adorned with many 
handsome and costly monuments, evergreens and shrubbery, are maintained 
side by side on the edge of the town, and the survivors and friends of both 
armies visit them with eulogies and flowers for the dead, while citizens 
from the north mingle in business and society and unite their efforts for 
the upbuilding of the progressive city. 

Using part of a Winchester special to the Times-Dispatch of date Janu- 
ary 1st, 1906, the following resume is pertinent: 

"The year just closing has been one of great prosperity for Winchester 
and the surrounding county. Success seems to have smiled in a lavish 
manner upon all undertakings, and new industries have been instituted. 
All crops were excellent and the farmers were blessed. In Winchester the 
various business houses had more success than for years, the local factories 
were kept busy, the various artisans had work all the year round — some- 
thing hitherto unusual — and the people, while spending comparatively 
freely, were provident enough to bank some of their funds for the proverbial 
rainy day. The three banks of the city show this by a look at their 
deposits. In five years, deposits at the banks have increased slightly more 
than one million dollars, the total deposits being over two millions. City 
property has increased in value and there are some farms in the country 
for which the owners have been offered two hundred dollars per acre. 

"There were about twenty thousand barrels of apples in cold storage. Th? 
receipts from this industry, apples, labor and barrels have been conser- 
vatively placed at not less than two hundred thousand dollars. In the 
city the real estate is estimated at between four and five millions. Since 
last December the corporate limits have been extended, giving the city a 
population of more than seven thousand. Forty-two buildings have been 
erected during the year, including a number of handsome homes and a 
four-story brick business house, the first department store for Winchester. 
A trolley line is designed to cross the Blue Ridge and go into Washington. 
It is projected by the leading men of this section, who already have spent 
thousands for the erection of a monster dam and power house on thfe 
Shenandoah river in Jefferson county, W. Va., and have secured the con- 
tract to furnish lights for this city. It is also believed that work will be 
commenced in 1906 on the two hundred and fifty thousand dollar Handley 
Xiibrary." 



GENERAL INDEX 



Agricultural Resources 27 

Appalachia 23 

Cities of Virginia (see index following) 

Climate of Virginia 24 

Commercial Facilities 43 

Counties of Virginia (see index following) 

Educational Advantages 46 

Forests 39 

Fruits 34 

General Description of the State 15 

Government of Virginia 55 

Governor Swanson's Remarks 11 

Introduction by E. R. Chesterman 5 

Judiciary System . , 63 

Letters from Settlers in the State 28 

Middle Virginia 19 

Mineral Resources 40 

Natural Divisions 15 

Natural Wonders 45 

Piedmont Virginia 21 

Rivers and Water Supply 35 

Situation of Virginia , 24 

Soil Production in Norfolk County 31 

Tidewater Virginia 17 

Valley of Virginia 21 

Virginia Agriculture, last census 51 

Water Power 37 

INDEX TO COUNTIES OF VIRGINIA 

Accomac 65 

Albemarle 67 

Alexandria 69 

Alleghany 71 

Amelia 73 

Amherst 75 

Appomattox „ 77 

Augusta ... 79 

Bath 82 

Bedford 83 

Bland 86 

Botetourt 87 

Brunswick 89 



296 



Buchanan 90 

Buckingham 91 

Campbell 93 

Caroline 95 

Carroll 95 

Charles City 99 

Charlotte ^ 101 

Chesterfield 103 

Clarke 105 

Craig 106 

Culpeper 108 

Cumberland 109 

Dickenson 110 

Dinwiddie Ill 

Elizabeth City 112 

Essex 115 

Fairfax 117 

Fauquier ; 119 

Floyd 120 

Fluvanna 121 

Franklin 123 

Frederick 1 25 

Giles 125 

Gloucester 129 

Goochland 131 

Grayson 133 

Greene 135 

Greenesville 135 

Halifax 137 

Hanover 139 

Henrico 141 

Henry 143 

Highland 144 

Isle of Wight 147 

James City 148 

King and Queen 150 

King George • 151 

King William 152 

Lancaster 153 

Lee 154 

Loudoun 157 

Louisa 159 

Lunenburg 161 

Madison 162 

Matthews 162 

Mecklenburg 163 

Middlesex 167 

Montgomery 169 

Nansemond I'l 

Nelson 172 

New Kent 1 73 

Norfolk 175 



297 



Northampton 179 

Northumberland 180 

Nottoway 181 

Orange 182 

Page 183 

Patrick 185 

Pittsylvania 187 

Powhatan 189 

Prince Edward 191 

Prince George 192 

Princess Anne 193 

Prince William 195 

Pulaski 197 

Rappahannock 200 

Eichmond 201 

Eoanoke 203 

Rockbridge 205 

Rockingham . 207 

Russell 210 

Scott 212 

Shenandoah 213 

Smyth 215 

Southampton 217 

Spottsylvania 219 

Stafford 221 

Surry 223 

Sussex 224 

Tazewell . 224 

Warren 229 

Warwick 231 

Washington 232 

Wise 234 

Wythe 239 

York 241 

INDEX TO CITIES OF VIRGINIA 
Alexandria 243 

Bristol 243 

Buena Vista 244 

Charlottesville 247 

Danville 247 

Fredericksburg' 253 

Lynchburg 253 

Manchester 258 

Newport News 257 

Norfolk 263 

Petersburg 269 

Portsmouth 273 



298 



Kadford 275 

Richmond 277 

Roanoke 285 

Staunton 287 

Williamsburg 290 

Winchester 292 

INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS 

A Challenge Apple Orchard — Trees 20 years old 126 

A Famous Apple tree. . 184 

A Field of Cowpeas 92 

A Fine Crop of Forage Consisting of Cowpeas and Millet 200 

A Large Iron Furnace at Roanoke, Virginia 286 

Alfalfa in Charlotte County — Second Cutting July 1st 180 

Apple Crop Sold for $475.00 per acre 20 

A Profitable Hay Crop— 2£ Tons per Acre 204 

A Sheep Pasture in Eastern Virginia , 116 

A Tobacco Warehouse in Danville, Virginia 248 

A Virginia Commercial Orchard 84 

A Virginia Grazing Farm 226 

A Virginia Iron Furnace 72 

A Virginia Oat Field — Yield 70 bushels per acre 142 

A Virginia Tobacco Field 188 

A Wheat Field in the Mountain Section 94 

A White Pine Forest 132 

A 300 Acre Peanut Field near Petersburg 190 

Bathing on the Virginia Coast 20 

Buena Vista Paper Mill, Buena Vista, Virginia 246 

Claude A Swanson, Governor of Virginia 54 

Coal Mines, Wise County 236 

Corn Field — Yield 90 bushels per acre 208 

Commerce Street, Lynchburg, Virginia 256 

Duck Farm in Warren County 230 

Eustis Copper Smelter, Norfolk, Virginia 262 

Fishing in Virginia Waters 18 

Grapes Growing in Southside Virginia 160 

Growing Onions in Virginia 32 

Hay Field in Virginia — Yield 2 tons per acre, third crop 108 

Hughes Gold Mine, Fluvanna County 122 

In the Cotton Fields, Southampton County 218 

Iron Ore Mine, Wythe County 238 

Just from the Pasture, Ready to Load for Export 200 

Large Flour Mills at Staunton, Virginia 288 

Large Shipbuilding Yard at Newport News, Virginia 260 

Limestone Quarry of Moore Lime Co., Botetourt County 88 

Mathieson Alkali Works, Saltville, Smyth County 214 

Members of the State Board of Agriculture, and Commissioner 4 

Monticello — the Home of Thomas Jefferson 2 

Natural Bridge — One of the Seven Wonders of the World 44 

Naval Rendezvous, Hampton Roads 114 



299 



PAGE 

One Hundred and Sixty Acre Field of Cowpea Hay in Spottsylvania County 220 
One of Virginia's Exhibits at the St. Louis World's Fair 26 

Paragon Chestnuts 76 

Pear Orchard, 5 years old 136 

Picking Strawberries 130 

Pork Made at Less than Thirty Cents per lb., Fattened on Virginia Cowpeas 146 
Pyrite Mines of Sulphur Mines and Railroad Company, Louisa County. . . . 158 

Richmond, Virginia — Largest Woodenware Works in the World 274 

Richmond Works of the American Locomotive Company 280 

Salt Water Bathing on the Virginia Coast of the Atlantic Ocean 194 

Seining Fish in Virginia Rivers 222 

Shipping a Carload of Winter Lambs .... 108 

Shipping Truck from the City of Norfolk, Virginia 264 

Shipping Truck on the Eastern Shore of Virginia 178 

Silk Mill in Fredericksburg, Virginia 250 

Sixteen Rockyford Cantaloupes Growing on One Vine 138 

State Capitol Building at Richmond 282 

Summer Apples 240 

Taking up the Peanut Crop 170 

The Largest Trunk Factory in the World, Petersburg, Virginia 268 

The Powhatan Manufacturing Co., Amelia County 74 

The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 48 

The Virginia Foresty, Fish and Game Exhibit at the World's Fair 22 

The Virginia Horticultural Exhibit at the World's Fair 50 

The Virginia Portland Cement Works, Craigsville, Augusta County 78 

Triple Railroad Crossing at Richmond, Virginia 276 

Trolley Cars Through the Trucking Fields 176 

Trucking in Tidewater Virginia 174 

Unbroken Mountains of White Pine Forests 98 

Valuable Water Power 36 

View of Lynchburg, Virginia , 252 

Virginia Apples— State Horticultural Society Exhibit 68 

Virginia Fine Cattle 168 

Virginia Peaches 166 

Virginia Saddle Horses 156 



KBQBI^DB 




, ■« Dlue 













t.MHcl, 




I 



■ -IN / LJ '■ 
" ux ^^\VmCHNIA 



i ^ n i s. 

/ — I 

\ Caldwell W^.liulf/ \_^ 



if T' 

Vfrgm^Slpartmentof 



P BV 1 

i€ulture" 






■ 



£»<SPOTTSYLV.V. 






■IS.-., A "^-%3RSv3^ 



r *j£~&.w g 9 * IBS" •Jk*'*? «f L 






m 






LBFV'13 



